DIS 'WISH' Challenge UPDATE Clipart example added!

[Kelsie]

<b>CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE DIS WISH CHALLENGE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=437854)


With summer quickly approaching and the thought of taking off some of these great winter 'cover-up' clothes is scaring me to death, I though this would be a great time to introduce the 'WISH Challenge'. As an incentive, I will be designing WISH clip-art that will be awarded for each 5lb loss that is reported on this thread. Although many of you have done an amazing job up to this point, I am only going to award this clipart for weight loss from this point on.

Here's how it works:

-Post to this thread that you would like to participate in the WISH Challenge. Let us know the diet you will be using and any specifics about the diet and exercise program you are on (to help motivate others).
-Keep us informed of your progress. I am not asking for your current weight or your goal. Just that you let us know how you are doing.
-Come back often for moral support and to help support others.
-Post and send me a private message when you have reached the milestones of 5lbs, 10lbs, 15lbs, etc. Once you let me know you have reached one of these marks, I will award you with clipart that reflects the amount of weight loss you have achieved.

I am in the process of designing the clipart and will give you a preview as soon as I am done.

I am starting the Atkins Diet on Monday so I will be participating also.

SUMMER is just around the corner so sign up now and let's have some fun, help motivate each other and get Inspired to Stay Healthy. :)

UPDATE: Here is an example of the new Clipart. As you make progress, your 'Clipart' will be updated to reflect your progress in increments of 5. :) You can see the example on my post below. I hope you like it :)

[Cherry]

I'm on the DIS boards all the time, but didn't realize this board was here until I saw it in someone's signature!

I'm a lifetime weight watcher who has fallen on and off the wagon many times over the years. Just started again recently, and have lost 5 pounds with 20 to go for my short-term goal and 40 for my long-term goal. Just finished looking at the thread with WW recipes and it looks great. Maybe I'll get some motivation here, because I'm really having a tough time with it this go 'round -- gets harder and harder as you get older, that's for sure!

[dandave]

nativetxn, I just found the wonderful, warm, welcome from you. Thank you so much!! :D

[SlightlyGoofy]

Cherry, I have fallen off the wagon many times during the years as well and am finally finding it easier to lose weight. (well, most of the time) The difference is that this time I am NOT on a diet but am changing my life. Is the way I will live the rest of my life. I have often heard that with age comes maturity and maybe I have finally made it. I hope that we can walk together toward our goals and share in each others successes.

I just had the most wonderful thing happen and I have to tell someone. My dear friend, Rider, just called from the beach of the Poly so I could share 'watching' the EWP with her. I am truly blessed to know such wonderful people.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[melindaandrob]

Hello!
Well, I am officially motivated. I am a weight watchers lifer who lost 50lb. a couple of years ago and have gained 10. I really need to get back on track and lose this before it becomes 50!
My goal is to lose the weight long before our trip in Sept. and keep working on exercise being part of my 'life skills' I'm looking forward to getting to know my fellow WISHers!

Melinda ºoº

[wdwnutze]

Ok. I have lurked long enough. I have been reading the posts on this board to help get motivated and today is the day! Seeing myself in pictures is what has done it for me. I have a digital camera so I just crop myself out of any pictures. I have lost weight many times but I am hoping this will be the last time. I will be doing the Atkins Diet. I have the book but have never done this diet before. This seems like a very knowledgeable place so I'm sure if I have questions, someone will be able to help me. I'm actually looking forward to this! My long term goal is 50lbs. My short term goal is to stay motivated and feel better.

[Beastlover]

I am taking the WISH challenge! I am losing 40 pounds, although I am not setting a hard date yet, because in the past, when goals did not materialize, I was let down and gave up.
I am not following a specific plan, just eating sensibly. I am also preparing for a 25 mile ride in Chicago in the middle of July, so I have been biking 2-3 days a week. I am up to 12 miles, almost there! On the other days I either walk, aerobics, Tae-Bo or Zumba. Whatever my mood says.
I am really looking forward to joining the community on the WISH boards!!!! Thanks for the support!

[nativetxn]

It always makes me smile to see new faces on WISH. More members for my support group :)

<b>Cherry</b> I’m very glad you decided to join us here, on WISH. It’s a great place. We have lots of WW WISHers here so you have lots of friends here, already.

You sound determined and motivated and that is a very good sign. I forsee success in your future :) I know exactly what you mean by that “getting older” remark. I’m one of the senior WISHers, trust me, I <i>totally</i> understand :teeth:

<b>melindaandrob</b> What a positive thing to do. Grabbing control back before you gain more than 10 pounds. What a great example you are for me. Wish I had been that wise.

You have a reasonable goal and timeline and an excellent eating plan, you’re going to do just great, I’m sure of it.

<b>wdwnutze</b> YIPPEEEEE!!! I knew you would delurk! I just <i>knew</i> it. We’ve been saving you a place, you know. I figured if I was just patient enough you would delurk and you finally did (I almost gave up). :teeth:

I follow the Atkins plan too and so do many other WISHers. I love it. I’m really glad to have another Atkins person in my support group. You can never have too much support right?

It was seeing photos of myself at DISCON that convinced me that I had to do something. I know just how you feel.

<b>Beastlover</b> Thanks for posting here too. I love that member clipart, it really brings out the color of your eyes ;)

I think you are very wise not to set a solid timeline goal. I won’t do that either. It’s too easy for me to get frustrated and give up if the weight doesn’t come off as quickly as I think it should.

Besides that, I figure I will be eating this way for the rest of my life, it’s not like I’m going to go back to eating refined carbohydrates ever again, so I’ve got plenty of time to lose. It took me 15 years to pack all of this on, if I’m very disciplined, I should lose it in a year or so, don’t you think?

I so admire you for cycling 12 miles each day. WOW! You are going to be such a great motivator for me and a shining example.

<i>There is a WISH member clipart that is exempt from the DIS clipart guidelines, that you may add to your signatures if you want. I see Beastlover has already added it. What we do is begin with a zero loss, regardless of how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then, when everytime we lose 5 pounds we can “trade up” to a new clipart, if we choose. It’s fun and a little reward for us. There is a very helpful post telling you how to add this clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)</i>

Four new members for my support group. This is wonderful! Is everyone all determined and motivated to get started? What am I saying, of course you are. You wouldn’t be here on WISH if you weren’t. I’m very glad you are here on WISH, too. I think you are going to like it here. There is something so empowering having a support group like WISH. We are all in the same boat. Some of us have a lot to lose and some of us have a little to lose but we <i>all</i> face the same challenges on our way to goal. It’s amazing how helpful WISH has been for me. I just know it is going to be helpful to all of you too.

So, let’s get started. Isn’t this exciting? You’re on your way to goal and there is no stopping you now! If you need help, just ask, we will all be right here and ready to help.

Katholyn

[giggles221]

Beastlover I have a stupid question- what is Zumba? It sounds like fun :D

[Kelsie]

bump

[disneys4me]

Ok count me in!!! I'm willing to try the Atkins diet. Do you have any advice on where to start i'm ready to lose some pounds. I want to be skinny on my next trip to WDW May 2004.

[WillAndFinn'sMom]

Ok...you've inspired me!

I'd like to join your club, if I may.
I've done WW in the past with success, so I'm going to be following that plan (though not going to meetings, as I'm trying to save for DW!)
We leave for DW on October 18th. I'd LIKE to lose 35 lbs by then, but I'll be happy if I eat right, feel better, and lose some weight.

Thanks for all the inspiration! Looking forward to this now!

[nativetxn]

It's great to see some more new faces. You can never have too many people in your support group, at least, <i>I</i> can never have too many :)

<b>disneys4me</b> Welcome to the DIS and a special welcome to WISH. I'm really glad that you decided to join us.

I follow the Atkins plan, lots of us do and most of us have been quite successful with that eating plan. Do you have the book about the Atkins plan? It's very helpful to read that book, very interesting too.

If you would like, I will be happy to email you the rules for induction. Just send me a private message or email and let me know.

<b>WillAndFinn'sMom</b> I think this is perfect. We now have one new Atkins follower and one new WWer. Isn't that great?

You will find a lot of WISHers here who have found great success following the WWer plan. You have a new circle of WW pals just waiting to help you along.

The best part of WISH is our support group. Regardless of their plan, every WISH member is always ready to offer support, information, comfort or just a smile. Everyone is caring and helpful.

I love it here on WISH and I know both of you will love it here too. We have a lot of fun and a lot of success, you will too, just wait and see.

We have a special WISH clipart that you may add to your signature, if you wish. We start with a zero loss when we take the WISH challenge, no matter how much weight we lost before finding WISH. When we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's kind of fun. There is a post composed by our own Wovenwonder that tells you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)

<i>Ready to get started? You're going to do great, you know, trust me, I know these things. You are on your way to goal now and you are going to be there before you know it. It's true! We are all going to help you get there :)</i>

Katholyn

[disneymom99]

OK! I would like to join. I have followed WW in the past and have actually done quite well. So, that's the plan I would like to follow. I am also determined to cut out the sugar. I consume far too much! I leave for WDW in 24 days. Hopefully, I can take off at least 5 pounds by then. Thanks for the support!

[basketcase]

The basketcase wants to be a part of the challenge!:bounce:
I am doing Weight Watchers with Holly. I have been playing around in 2003 and from January until May I lost 5 pounds. :D
Two weeks ago I worked the same shift with Holly and she helped me become motivated to count points :eek: and she even made me exercise by walking in downtown Pittsburgh and I not only survived, but lost 6 more pounds!!:bounce:
Thanks Holly!!!!:cool:
The journey with the basketcase has begun!

[mum4jenn]

O.K.I am motivated!!!!

Count me in for the challenge. I will try the Atkins plan. I borrowed the book from the library yesterday and I will try to start it on 6/6/03.


I am sure I will have lots of questions so I will probably be on this board MORE than the Community Board!!!

[nativetxn]

<b>disneymom99</b> I'll bet you <i>can</i> lose 5 pounds before your trip. It's over three weeks away and if you are half as determined as you sound, I have no doubt you can do it.

I'm really glad you chose to join us here, on WISH. That way we can help you reach your goal. We're really good at helping :)

You will find lots of info and advice about WW here and I imagine you have plenty of info to share, yourself. That's <i>perfect</i>. Welcome to WISH.

<b>basketcase</b> I'm glad you decided to take the WISH challenge :) Our Holly is a very motivational and determined WISHer, isn't she? She's just very nice and fun, too, with a great sense of humor.

Welcome to WISH, you are going to love it here.

<b>mum4jenn</b> I'm on this board more than the cb, WISH is a great place to hang out. I'm so happy that you decided to take the WISH challenge. You are going to do great. I can tell, really I can, you have the determination, you said so.

Your member clipart is very flattering. Don't get too attached, though, you are going to be trading up very soon, I'm sure of it.

<b>disneymom99 and basketcase</b> We have a special WISH challenge clipart that you may add to your signature, if you wish. The WISH clipart is exempt from the DIS clipart restrictions, isn't that great? There is a very helpful post by our own Wovenwonder telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)

What we do is start with a zero loss, no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the WISH challenge. Then everytime we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. When we have lost 30 pounds we get a pretty gold clipart, when someone loses 50 pounds they get a gorgeous platinum clipart. The one I want the most is a sweet little red number that says <b>goal</b>. I'm going to get me one of those too, you watch.

I know y'all are ready to get started. You wouldn't be here if you weren't motivated and determined to get healthier. I think you are going to find our WISH support group is the nicest group of <i>losers</i> you have ever met. People following every imaginable nutritional plan are part of our support group and they are always ready to help others.

So, let's get going. I can't wait to see how you do this first week. Looking forward to reading about your first weigh-in on the check-in thread that Jiminy102 starts each week.

<i>I hope all of you are ready to succeed because you are all WISHers now and that's what we do here, we <b>succeed</b>!

Onward and downward my friends, all of your WISH friends will be right behind you. If you need help or information or advice, all you have to do is ask :)

Katholyn

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Sign me up for the challenge too! I'm doing Weight Watchers. :D

[addicted_to_WDW]

I'm here! And will be here for 100 pounds or so. :)

I started atkins this week...I'm nervous because it's the complete opposite of how I normally eat, which may be why I'm so overweight in the first place. I love carbs and giving up pasta is going to be very difficult. So far, so good.

I lost 50 pounds once on a phen/fen aided low fat diet. It all came back over the space of about a year.

My first goal is to lose 20 pounds by Labor Day. I can do it!!!

Oh, and my name is Jennifer.

[nativetxn]

<b>Beth E. (NJ)</b> I'm so glad to see you here on WISH. I think you are going to like it here, we have a lot of fun.

Our support group has been such a help to me, I imagine it will be helpful for you too.

I see you have your member clipart, it looks great on you!

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi everyone, you have really inspired me and I'm ready to take the W.I.S.H challenge! I am planning on trying the Atkins plan but will start slowly because next week Fri. we leave for a 2 week vacation to California, including Disneyland! I would like to loose 15-20 pounds. I started exercising a few weeks ago, doing the Firm tapes a few times a week and although I feel like I am a bit more toned I haven't lost any weight so I need to get more serious about what I eat.

Cheryl

[nativetxn]

I'm really glad you decided to join us, <b>Cheryl N. WI</b>. I am always tickled to see a new member of my support group.

I haven't been to DL since 1978. I keep saying I need to go again but it hasn't happened yet. Enjoy your trip. Will you be meeting up with any other DISers? We have several California WISHers and lots of California DISers. DIS meets are fun.

I see you already have your member clipart, it looks good on you. I imagine that once you get serious about Akins and have finished your vacation you will have wonderful success with that plan. Lots of us follow Atkins and have done very well.

We have a great support group here. If you have any questions about Atkins or just need to talk we will be right here for you. I'm so glad you are one of us, now.

You are going to be a great success, I'm sure of it, we are all going to help you succeed! Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[basketcase]

:wave: Hello!!!:wave:

If I get as excited about losing weight as I am about being in your W.I.S.H. group and getting my own weight loss clipart, I will do good!!!:teeth:

I will check in here on Monday. I also weigh in on Monday's with Jiminy. ;)

Talk to you all this weekend!!!
:crazy:
Basketcase

[nativetxn]

<b>addicted_to_WDW</b> I didn't mean to skip you. I'm glad you posted here, too. Now I can add you to our roster.

You are going to do great, I'm on Atkins too and I have had pretty good success with it. I'm sure you will too.

<b>basketcase</b> You are going to do <b>great</b>! You never really doubted that did you?

All of your new WISH friends are going to see to it :)

<b>addicted_to_WDW and basketcase</b> I see you both have your new member clipart. Don't get too attached, you will be trading up to a 5 or 10 pound loss clippie very, very soon :)

[Rain]

Well I lost 14 lbs in two weeks on the lipotrim diet, third week nothing!!! so what did I do but the usual thing give up!!!!

I had a week off the diet then could not do it when I tried again, it is just too hard eating no food and only 3 drinks a day!!!

I have decided to try the Atkins diet, bought the book tonight and the Carbohydrate counter. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lynda

[dawnstar]

Just a little encouragement for all you atkins dieters out there!!!! My mother recently lost 96 lbs with atkins diet. She went from a size 24 to an 8 in less then a year. 10 in a half months to be exact. I myself have tried this diet and it works if you can stick to it!!!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[nezy]

I was reading another booard, noticed the "WISH clipart and clicked on.
How do I sign up?
I have been in a continuous lifelong battle to lose weight. I got motivated last Fall and have slowly lost 30 pounds or so since then.

I am happy to say that I even purchased some smaller size shirts from the Disney Store, on a great sale a while ago, hoping they would fit, some day!! Now, they do fit. (I even have a limegreen Disboard color Mickey shirt).
I feel that now I am at an impasse, and I need to make a change to continue on my weight loss journey. I have not been on any specific diet-just cut down, alot, and have been going to the gym-even more. Any advice?

[Jaypd]

I am up for the Challenge......Starting Monday June 9 I am starting Atkins.

My goal is to lose 25 pounds. Since I get do many physical things due to my knee I have not come up with a excerise plan yet. But I will think of something.


So let the CHALLENGE BEGIN!!!!!

[candylover]

Hi lynda,

Don't give up!!!
I know...I tried Atkins and I went nuts......
I was going to give up and then I kept reading the posts!!!
Everyone is so nice here.
Any suggestions on diets from anyone would help.:wave:

[LAWalz23]

Jaypd, I love your clipart. Survivor is my 2nd favorite reality show after The Amazing Race.

[kelljacques@aol.com]

I am new here and I will be starting my wish challenge. I as doing great before my cruise and I lost 20 pounds. We have been back for 2 weeks and I haven't walked yet.. I will start tomorrow.

[cart-mom]

I'm up for the challenge, too! I needed something to kick me in the butt to get me going. I started Atkins yesterday and so far so good. Even with 4 kids around snacking, I'm OK. As you can see I don't have much time till AKL so I REALLY need to be good and stick to it.

This might sound crazy but I feel less bloated than usual already. The hard part for me is when I work. I'm a third shifter who works from home just steps from my kitchen. KNowing that I'm on this challenge, hopefully I will be able to stick to Atkins and lose my weight. My goal is to lose 50lbs. Wow! I can't believe I actually let myself go so far that I have to lose that much. But having babies did add to my problem of being a carb addict.

Good luck to you all and on with the challenge!!:Pinkbounc

[bsnyder]

I'd like to join the Challenge too! Starting now!

I'm a long time Atkins follower, but I'm having a very difficult time losing the last 10-15 pounds and I could really use some moral support!! I'd also love to be able to help those who may be new to Atkins.

My biggest problem is exercise....I'm a fairly active person, but I can't seem to get into any type of routine. I left my corporate job in February, and am working for my family's business, which gives me a lot more flexibility in my schedule. I had visions of getting into a regular exercise routine.

Well, I now realize that my excuse that I was too busy to exercise was just that - an excuse, and that the reality is I hate to exercise, I hate having a routine and I'm not very disciplined. :( :(

In the last 4 months I've tried aerobics classes, walking, jogging, and swimming laps. I've never stuck with any of them for more than a week. I've also thought about getting a trainer (I did this about 5 years ago, and it was great for jumpstarting me) but I've procrastinated actually making the call!

What's wrong with me? :( :( :(

[nativetxn]

<b>Rain</b> I have had success with Atkins and so have many other WISHers, I'm sure will be successful, too. You know we are here to help you along, so if you have any questions, just ask.

I think finding the eating plan that is right for you is a large part of succeeding at losing weight. I hope Atkins is the one you can work with and stick with.

<b>dawnstar</b> Welcome to the DIS, I'm really glad that you found us. You must be so proud of your mother and I hope she is proud of <i>herself</i>. What an accomplishment! Losing 96 pounds requires a lot of determination, what a success she is.

<b>nezy</b> You are all signed up! I'm so glad. It's great to see you here on WISH.

Congratulations on losing 30 pounds. Losing weight slowly seems to be a key to keeping the weight off when you have finished losing. Sounds like you have a solid good start.

If cutting down and going to the gym more works for you then I think it's great! I need a little more structure in my eating plan. I obviously am not good at cutting down or eating sensibly. I think it is wonderful that you have such control.

Shall I list your eating plan as eating sensibly? We have several WISHers who "eat sensibly" you will have plenty of support and information available to you.

<b>Jaypd</b> Thanks for posting here too, Jay. You are following the Atkins plan, right? You should have no problem reaching your goal of losing 25 pounds, it's a very reasonable goal.

As far as working out, there is a thread somewhere about Walking away the pounds. It is a "walking" program that does not stress your knees very much. I've tried it and had no trouble with my old knees, you may be able to handle it too. It's worth a try anyway.

I'm so glad you are going to be part of my support group now, Jay. We need more masculine type humans on WISH :)

<b>kelljacques@aol.com</b> Thank you for posting here too. I'm so glad that you are going to be with us here on WISH now. WISH is a great place, very motivating.

You have come to the right place. We help keep each other motivated and moving (some of these people can be real slave drivers ;) ) I have a real problem getting motivated to work out so I know exactly how you are feeling. I'll help remind you to get up and move and you can help remind me. Does that sound like a deal?

What nutritional plan will you follow? We have all sorts of plans represented here on WISH so if you have questions or need informatin, just ask, you will receive speedy replies.

<b>cart-mom</b> You sound very motivated and determined, that's great! You are going to be great in our support group. You can help keep us motivated and we will help keep <i>you</i> motivated. That's a pretty good deal, huh?

I follow the Atkins plan, too and I've had good success. I have no doubt you will have great success too. You may experience some "withdrawal" symptoms but they only last a few days and then you will feel great. It sounds like you are already noticing results, if you are less bloated already. Wonderful!

Many WISHers follow the Atkins nutritional plan. If you have any questions or need advice all you have to do is ask. There are lots of people here just waiting to help you out. They are pretty smart too :)

You have a reasonable goal and an excellent plan, you are going to do great!

<b>bsnyder</b> Hi Bet, it's so great to see you here on WISH. Sounds like you have had wonderful success eating the controlled carbohydrate way. How great that you have decided to lose those last few pounds. You will do that easily, I'm sure. You are such a strong and determined person, you are going to do great.

We will be calling on you to share some of your Atkins "know how", I'm sure, so keep an eye on WISH, you will be asked to share your secrets of success often.

<i>The <b>magic</b> of WISH is our wonderful support group. Lots of people who follow all kinds of eating plans come together to help each other and offer support and advice. The WISH support group is the greatest group of <b>losers</b> you could ever hope to meet. They are always ready to offer comfort, support, advice and help. All they ask in return is that you be there for them when they need help. It's a pretty great arrangement. Everyone here on WISH faces the same challenges as each one of you and it helps a lot to know that someone understands <b>exactly</b> how you are feeling at any given moment.</i>

There is a special WISH challenge clipart that you can add to your signature, if you choose. I see some of you have already added it and it looks great. The WISH clipart is exempt from the DIS clipart restrictions so you don't have to give up any clipart you may already have in your signature. There is a post telling you how to add the clipart right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help just send a private message to glo, Kelsie or me or just post on the technical support board.

I love getting new members in my support group. Looks like I have found some new friends today. I'm glad you decided to take the challenge and join us, here on WISH.

I know everyone is motivated and determined and ready to start this new healthy lifestyle. I'm anxious to see how well all of you are going to do. I have not one little doubt that each one of you will reach your goal--all of us here are going to help you do that :)

Let's get going then we've got some weight to lose and friends to make. It's going to be fun--just you wait and see.

Katholyn

[nativetxn]

<b>Cart-mom</b> I moved your post about your weight loss to our check-in thread for 6/8/03. Jiminy102 posts a thread for us each week so that we can share our progress with all of our WISH friends. You will find that post <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=386261)

I love the check-in thread, if everyone posts their progress there I don't miss any of the fun :)

I'm off to see how well everyone has done so far.

Katholyn

[TennesseeTink]

Hi!

My name is Jennifer and I posted yesterday but don't think I posted to this thread. Please forgive my ineptness as I have never done message boards. :confused: I am so impressed with how you all are so supportive of one another! I would love to join you as I also begin my weight loss journey. I look forward to encouraging others as so many have already encouraged me!

I will be doing WW and look forward to getting back into the exercise habit. This week my goals are to drink 64 oz. of water a day and to exercise at least 3 times this week for 45 min....and to stay within my points!

Thanks for letting me be a part of such a wonderful, loving group!

[nezy]

Actually Katholyn, for me it is always TRYING to eat sensibly, not always succeeding. That is the difficult part for me. I have never been good at WW-it is too obsessive for me w/ knowing the points of everything.
I have been reading a book called"Body for Life" that describes both a workout and eating plan. It suggests a protein and a veggie at every meal. I haven't tried Atkins, but it sounds like there has been alot of success. I guess, that is the extra step I now need -- a definitive eating plan, other than just winging it.

How do I attach the clipart to my postings?

[nativetxn]

I think that Goofy Girl follows the body for life program. I don't know how she has done with it, though.

If you like the way it sounds then why don't you try Body For Life and see if it is the program for you?

There is a post that tells you how to add the clipart to your signature and you will find it <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403) If you have problems figuring it out just send glo, Kelsie or me a private message and we will find someone to help you.

Katholyn

[Gregg]

Sorry, I posted this as a seperate post a little while ago. here is the info from that post:

I would like to participate in this. I am a very tall person, so I can hide weight pretty well, but over the past 9 months my weight has gone way up due to the stresses of a new baby (born 10/10), work, etc. I am definitely a stress eater.

I'm pretty angry at myself that I am in this position. I've always had a weight problem, but around Thanksgiving of 2001 I joined WW with my sister-in-law and lost over 80 pounds (from 335 to 251)!! But then we decided to get off of WW (due mostly to cost) and now I've gained pretty much ALL of it back. I consider myself an athletic person, so that makes this even worse. Not to mention the wear and tear on my knees, etc. the extra weight causes.

Not sure what diet I would do though. Does anyone have info or a website on Atkins? Was pretty successful with the WW diet, so maybe I'll go with that.

Thanks for any help folks. I leave for WDW with the family on 6/27, so I'd like to get started on this and be "on a roll" before we leave.

Gregg

[nativetxn]

Thanks for posting here, too, Gregg. It helps me to keep track of my support group :)

I follow the Atkins plan and there is a website where you can find information about the plan: www.atkins.com

I'm glad you have decided to join us. No sense being angry with yourself, you can't change the past but you <i>can</i> change "right now". Looks like that is what you have done.

We have WISHers who follow every diet plan out there. So, no matter which plan you choose, there will be someone here who is following the same plan.

The support group is the best part of WISH. Lots of friendly and caring people here to help you along on the road to goal. WISH is a nice place to visit, so I hope you can visit often.

There is a special WISH clipart that you can add to your signature if you choose. Wovenwonder has written a great post telling you how to do that and you will find it <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403) Let me know if you need help adding this to your signature.

I think you are going to like WISH, Gregg. I hope you can visit often. Let me know which eating program you choose.

Katholyn

[Meriweather]

Okay...I'm a dufus :rolleyes:
No wonder you didn't have me on the "list", Kath.
I never posted to this thread.........good thing you mentioned it to Gregg ;)

So offically :wave:
I'm Nancy and I'm a chocoholic...wait, that's something else :teeth:

I started lurking months ago and was so inspired by all the amazing stories and the SUPPORT shown here.....that I had to join in.
So....I've actually been here for about 6 weeks.
I'm a terrible dieter and hate exercise.....so I need all the motivation I can get!!

I've always been overwieght!! Forever!!

I'm married.......almost 29 years!! :eek: OMG.......how did that happen!
I have 2 children, a DS (23).....just moved to CA and started a new job after having graduated from college in March.......and I MISS HIM SO MUCH :(
Also a DD (20) who is home ffor the summer from college........and brought all her snacks and junk food into the house. HELP!!
I forgot to say...I have NO willpower!!

[nativetxn]

I'm sorry that I left you off the list, Nancy. I need some kind of guide to make sure I have everyone on the list and I use the challenge thread for that.

I will be updating the roster soon. Of course, I will miss <i>someone</i> maybe even a <i>few</i> someones. I always do :rolleyes:

[kiddo]

wow this is really hard for me... i can post on the CB about this or that, but when i comes down to the real nitty gritty (my Health) i clam up!

i have been a yo yo for awhile.. going up and down on the scale... but this time i'm really done... i want to be slim, for good. and i know it's not going to be overnight, but i need lots of help...

i have no idea which route to go "diet" wise... like Meriweather i have no will power, and have no motivation for exercise and also belong to CA... chocoholics anonomous...

my SI, really wants to help me but he's afraid of hurting my feelings, by not saying the right things, pushing too hard, etc (he feels kinda helpless)

so here i am with my heart on my sleeve and i'm in need of support (and i think i found a home here...:D)

[nativetxn]

<b>kiddo</b> You have come to the right place. I think almost every WISHer here wears their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to their size. I know that I do.

I'm very glad that you took a chance and decided to join us. I'll bet you that you are going to like it here. All of us face the challenges you face, have the same problems, feel the same frustrations. That's what makes WISH such a <b>magical</b> place. We are all unique individuals but we share common weaknesses and common goals. Just about every one of us is a yo-yo dieter and know exactly how you feel.

We're not going to be yo-yo dieters anymore though, because we're WISHers now and we are going to break that habit once and for all.

Have you got a goal and eating plan in mind? There are many different nutriotional plans represented here and I'm sure that whatever plan you choose you will find plenty of information and advice here.

The best part of WISH is our support group. So many caring and emotionally generous people make up our support group. When you need information, support, comfort or a laugh--just come here to WISH and you will find it.

We have a WISH challenge clipart that you can add to your signature, if you wish. We all start with a zero loss when we take the challenge and then every time we lose 5 pound we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivational. You can find instructions explaining how to add the clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)


Welcome to WISH, kiddo. Get ready to succeed because you are a WISHer now, and that's what we do here, we <b>succeed</b>. You're going to succeed too, you just wait and see. Every single one of us is going to help you do that and in return, you're going to help us. Isn't it great the way that works?

Welcome to our family--we are all on our way to goal!

Katholyn

[Fantasia Sam]

So officially I'd like to participate in what seems to me to be a very motivating WISH challenge.

I seemed to have ballooned somewhat more than usual over the last 5 years and am conscious about this. I have always carried my weight well and really don't let it get me down as no-one ever believes my size when I tell them anyway. However I really notice how much fatter my legs are in comparison to my DBF and my bottom belly seems to hang so much more these days, LOL I always say I have 2 bellies, my top belly needs toning and if my bottom belly could just be sliced off well that would be good too ;)

I'm all for not setting myself false goals so my first goal is to lose 15 pounds. I feel that I don't need to go to a class as I can be quite self motivated once I get started. I followed the Slimming World diet once before and I went to the classes and I know this is a diet that has worked for me in the past to lose the same amount of weight as I want to lose now over a 2 month period. I'm not looking for any quick fixes. I've joined a gym and I love Aqua classes but need to get myself also doing more cardiovascular exercise.

The Slimming World diet to me is like the Atkins Diet "indenial". I once tried Atkins and I was really ill (I suffer with a reflux) so from a health point of view I'm not allowed on it. But I can still follow a reasonable low-carb diet as long as it's also low fat. I'm not sure if any of you know about Slimming World but basically it's all about red days and green days.

On Red days - you eat as much low carb salad and veg as you want as well as fruit and eggs and fat free yogurts with again as much meat & fish as you want as long as it's grilled/broiled/steamed etc.

On Green days - you eat pretty much the same as above but you substitute the proteins of meat and fish with rice, pasta and potatoes and corn.

So basically Red=protein day and Green=Vegetarian day.

Coupled with that you get what they call a daily allowance of sins which you can carry over to the next day but not to the next week. For my weight I'm allowed 15 sins a day - these are the foods that can help keep me motivated. e.g. a vodka and diet coke (;) Kath) is just 2.5 sins out of my daily allowance. Depending on which day you're on will also depend on how many sins each food is. For e.g. if you are on a red day and you really really want some rice - then you can by taking it out of your sins allocation. This all gets a little complicated for me as I don't like to weigh stuff, so I just stick to "free foods" that I can eat.

When I tried weight watchers I used all my point allocation on foods that I loved and therefore found myself hungry all the time. On Slimming world it's nice to know that if I want to eat 4 jacket potatoes and baked beans followed by 3 corn on the cob I can. It's true to say that I think more people lose the weight more quickly if they stick to all Red days but I tend to do 2 days red and then 1 day green.

Sorry to have gone on - hope I haven't confused you all.

Hugs to all

[Mis4Mouse]

I would like to join in... my goal is 20 lbs. It might not seem like much to some, but I've been trying to lose it forever. I've yo yo dieted my whole life going from 180 to 118 and every number in between. I'm tired of it and my metabolism seems to have come to a complete halt. My husband and I are doing Atkins, and it's been two 1/2 weeks. The first three days were tough (I am such a carb addict!) but now we both feel great!

Thing is, he lost 12 lbs already.... I lost only 6 and I've been stuck at the same weight for the past eight days. The scale hasn't budged a bit. Now I know i'm doing everything right because we use the lipo styx to measure ketones, and according to the styx I am creating large amounts of ketones, which means I'm burning lots of fat. I take in less carbs than my husband, and I am following the induction rules very carefully.

I just can't understand why I am stuck at my current weight. I've even increased my excersise in order to try to break the barrier...no luck. I don't think this is supposed to happen on induction - My body just won't let me get to my goal!

Anyone else on Atkins hear of such a thing? Any advice? I won't go off the diet because i really do feel great - and I love not having food cravings all the time. But I've got to figure out how to make a break through. I would appreciate any input from other Atkins dieters...

Hey, at least I lose six pounds - so that counts for something!
Sue

[Jacksmom99]

Mis4Mouse,
Don't despair.....men loose much faster than woman do. (aren't we ALWAYS the lucky ones?!:rolleyes: ) My DH and I are also doing Atkins. I stayed at the same weight for 3weeks, up and down 1-2 lbs every day, but really the same weight. I stuck to the diet, but did try and rearrange which food I was eating. For example, I laid off Diet Coke, (which I know is a no-no anyway), but something I really can't live without. I also switched to Sweet'nLow in my iced coffee (another complete addiction) instead of Equal. My body kicked in gear again and now I'm up to 37 lbs since I started on March 11. Good luck and keep up the good work!!

[nativetxn]

Hi Sam, thanks for posting here too. I'll be updating the Roster, soon and now I won't leave you off....I hope....;)

<b>Mis4Mouse</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm really glad you found us. I think it's great that you are going to lose this twenty pounds before it can become 30. Very smart thing to do.

I follow Atkins and so do a lot of WISHers. We've had very good results from the Atkins nutritional plan. If you need information or advice about the program, all you have to do is ask and you will get speedy replies.

I hope you measured yourself when you began controlling your carbohydrate intake. I was very glad that <i>I</i> did. I lost almost 20 pounds the first month and then just stopped losing. I lost 16.5 inches instead. An interesting thing about Atkins is that when you aren't losing pounds you are most likely losing inches, instead. I know seeing that I had lost inches helped keep me determined and motivated. Measure yourself if you haven't already.

I know how you feel about your husbands quick weight loss, my husband lost 13.5 pounds the first week on Atkins :rolleyes: It isn't fair that men can lose so quickly, is it?

Now that you have taken the challenge you may add our member clipart to your signature if you choose. We begin with <b>zero loss</b> when we take the challenge, regardless of how much weight we lost <i>before</i> taking the challenge. That's why my clipart only shows a 20 pound loss when I've actually lost 39 pounds.

There is a post telling you how to add the clipart right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). Every time you lose 5 pounds you will be able to trade up to a new clipart if you want, it's fun.

I hope you will visit WISH often, the support group is just so helpful. If you need support, advice or just a smile, come here to WISH and you will find it. I know you are going to be successful reaching goal--we all plan to help you :)

Katholyn

[Mis4Mouse]

Thank you so much for the welcome, especially the words of encouragement! No, I didn't measure myself, so I will go find a tape measure and do it now- I should have done that right from the start. I will also try to mix up my eating.... try to throw my body a curve ball to break the spell that's keeping me at my standstill.... I am very strict about following atkins...no aspartame, no caffeine, under 20 carbs a day... but maybe I need to eat more smaller meals or something like that.

I don't want to give up, so your kind words gave me just that little bit more I needed to stay determined!

I'll be back often to visit!

Thanks again!
Sue

[jenfur]

I would also like to join this challenge. I have been overweight for a LOOONg time now. I started at 115 and then after two kids, I am at 215 :eek: . I usually forget how huge I look until I look at photos or video, which sucks because most of it is from WDW or holidays when I really would like to ENJOY the photos/videos. One photo from our last trip has really inspired me to actualy DO something (I will post it later) I had my picture taken with Maleficent and the Evil Queen from Snow White- I was looking forward to that picture, I even bought a frame so I could have it enlarged. Well, it is now stuck in the envelope never to see the light of day.

I have also become somewhat of a recluse because I really don't anyone who knows me from years ago to see me the way I am now. I am afraid I am going to embarass my kids. I am also tired of feeling completely worn out after playing with my kids for just a few minutes.

I am not sure what plan I will go on. I have had good success with atkins in the past, but I usually breakdown- carbs are too tempting- plus I get headaches and feel very weak when I try it. I had really good success doing Slimfast before, but for some reason, even if I am doing well- I give up. BUT- I am really going to do it this time:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

I WILL have great photos of my next trip!

[magicmouse2]

5lb weight loss achieved through Atkins diet - into 3 rd week now and have cheated a couple of times but still lost some lbs!:Pinkbounc

[nativetxn]

<b>jenfur</b> It's so great to see you here on WISH. Welcome!

I know how you feel about those photographs, I started hiding from the camera a long time ago :( I was unable to completely escape though, and the photographs from last years DISCON convinced me that I needed to either lose weight or find a friendly herd :rolleyes: When I began Atkins, I needed to lose a minimum of 100 pounds, probably more.

Lucky for me, Kelsie started the WISH challenge and it has been such a positive and helpful experience for me. Instead of 100 pounds--now I need to lose 60 pounds (or more). I think you are going to find that WISH is helpful for you too.

Sometimes we have to experiment with different eating plans before we find the one that is just right for us. I follow the Atkins plan, a lot of WISHers follow WW, we have a couple of Brits who use the Slimming World plan...basically all plans are represented, here on WISH. No matter which plan you choose there will be another WISHer on that plan, too. Let me know which plan you finally decide on, and it won't be written in stone, you know. You can change plans if you need to do that. Lot's of WISHers have started with one plan and changed to another, and in some cases, changed to another and another ;)

I'm very happy to know that you are going to be part of my wonderful support group, here, jenfur. That's the <b>magical</b> part of WISH--the support group. Men and women following all kinds of different eating plans are here to help. So, if you need support or comfort or advice, just come here to WISH. All you have to do is ask and our wonderful WISHers are always ready to help you through, to offer a smile or hug, to comfort you, to come up with ideas to help you succeed. They are the greatest group of losers you could ever hope to meet. Now you are one of us and I think that is wonderful.

I hope you are ready to succeed. You are on your way to goal, now--you are going to reach your goal, too. I'm sure of it. All of your friends here on WISH are going to help you do that. If you need anything, we'll be right here to help and we care about our WISH friends. Visit us often and join right in, it's really helpful for me for everyone to participate in WISH. You're going to find it helpful too, you just wait and see.



<b>magicmouse2</b> That's wonderful progress. Have you lost that 5 pounds since taking the WISH challenge? You have earned a new clipart if you did :) Aren't you feeling proud of your success? We are all feeling proud <i>of</i> you. Good job!

Katholyn

[gemmie214]

I am going to take the WISH challenge. I am doing a plan called Healthy Inspirations. Since it seems that it is not a plan that others are on I will explain it and post a link to the explanation here. I am hoping to get to the gym at least 5 times a week. 2 days of weights and 3 of cardio.
I started about a week and a half ago. I will weigh in on for an official count on Friday. I have to do this 3 times a week to track progress but my official is on Fridays:D

Link to Healthy Inspiration Plan: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388291

[Mis4Mouse]

Hi Jenfur!

I'm new here too, but I wanted to tell ya that a few years back I tried atkins and I got the horrible-ist headaches I ever had. I'm also an admitted carb queen, so I felt yucky for the first three days and with the headaches I felt even worse. But, that was a few years ago.

I am now on Atkins again, this time I gave it a shot because my husband wanted to try it. I was worried about the headaches....so much so that I made sure to plan ahead decided to start the diet on a long three day weekend, in case I did feel horrible again.

While the first three days were tough, I didn't feel sick or headachy this time...and I think I figured out why. When I tried it the first time my diet lacked VARIETY...I was eating hard boiled eggs, tuna with mayo, and bacon or sliced deli ham. That's pretty much it. This time, I went to the atkins diet web site and checked out some great recipes, and printed out the induction plan to make my grocery list. I also included green vegetables with my meal (pea pods, or romaine.... asparagus) and lo and behold, no headaches! Not one! I also stayed away from bacon and deli meat as the nitrates in both can contribute to headaches.

Then there's the caffeine thing. The diet calls for you to avoid caffeine. I love caffeine! I should say loved. I started getting a small half decaf half calf coffee at the coffee shop. Then I bought a small bag of fresh ground decaf and a smaller bag of fresh ground caf and mixed it together for my coffee at home. I can say that I am no longer addicted to coffee! It did the trick, without the nasty detox headache!


Whichever method you choose, I just wanted to let you know that it is possible to do atkins without that horrible headache.

Best Wishes!
Sue

[disnygoof]

Hi all! I want to join this challenge, too. I've been on WW since Jan and haven't gone in the last three weeks (well, two I was at WDW so I guess that's a good excuse, LOL). I have lost about 38 lbs though.

Now that I'm back, though, I don't want to go to my meetings b/c I'm sure I've gained b/c I have not been journaling at all. I'm back on track now, but I need motivation so I decided today that my next trip to WDW would not be until I reached my goal weight. How's THAT for motivation? LOL

So I'm new but I really am excited to be part of this, I sure need inspiration and encouragement. :)

Thanks all and good luck!

Christiana in Seattle

[tiggereyore]

I to am taking the challenge. I'm hoping to be down 40 pounds by christmas. Summer and fall are my best motivational times. I have no real diet that I'm following just cutting back and out some of the really bad things (candy, potaotes,soda are out, pasta cut back to twice a month (I'm and italian and this hurts). There are also some underlying medical issues PYCOS andstuff I'm finally going to treat.
So since you are all here to catch me when I fall and kick me in the butt (which I'm sure I'll need) here I gooooo......
Thanks.

[nativetxn]

<b>gemmie214</b> Thanks for posting here too. Your eating plan sounds interesting. I know you're going to do just great.

I'm glad you are here. I could use another sweet person like you in my support group (notice how selfish I am? ;) )

You're going to like it here, Jana. I can't wait to see how well you do with your Healthy Inspirations plan.


<b>disnygoof</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. I'm glad to see you here.

You sound like you are motivated, determined and all ready to get back to losing again. You have already done <i>very</i> well, I'm sure with the support of WISH you are going to be a great success.

Will you continue to follow the WW program? We have many WW's here and several who follow the plan but do not attend meetings. If you have any program questions or need advice, all you have to do is ask. You will get speedy replies.

<b>tiggereyore</b> Thanks for posting here, too. You have set a very reasonable goal and I have no doubt that you will reach it.

Sorry to hear about your PCOS. I believe we have a few people here on WISH who are following Atkins in an attempt to help their own PCOS. I hope your treatment is a quick success.

<i>The very best part of WISH is our wonderful support group. Composed of men and women following all different types of eating plans and regimens, the WISH support group is always here, always ready to help. Whether you need a recipe, or support or comfort or just a laugh, the support group is here for you.

I have felt so blessed to have WISH. The supportive and intelligent people here are some of the most emotionally generous people I have ever met. I'll bet you find that WISH is helpful too.</i>

There is a member clipart available if you would like to add it to your signature. No matter how much we may have lost before taking the challenge, we start with a <b>zero loss</b> when we take the challenge and then each time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating. A little something extra to look forward to while we are losing weight.

I love seeing new faces on WISH. I'm just tickled that all of you decided to take the challenge. I sure hope you are ready to succeed, because you are on your way to goal. I have no doubt that the goals you have set will be reached. We are all going to help you do that and all we ask in return, is for <i>you</i> to help <i>us</i> when we need help. It's really a pretty good deal.

Onward and downward my friends!

Katholyn

[disnygoof]

Yep! I plan to stay on WW. A friend at work and I will be going together that way we keep each other in check. Sometimes going to the meetings is so hard when you don't feel you've done well that week, LOL.

Thanks for this group! I can't wait!

Christiana :)

[MrsPutnam]

This is such agreat idea. Thank you for ding this I have been losing a little at a time wih out much success I keep gaining it back but I think with a little support and motivation I will get it done this time. Thank you for coming up with such a great idea and giving us a place to make it happen with friends.

I am doing this onmy own as I can't afford anything else I am just exercising more eating less and trying to watch what I eat. I have only really started hard in hte last week and have lost 12 pounds total. I am going to Disney in September 2004 and want to be able to go with out running downa nd having to sit every 20 min. I also want my husband no to be embbarssed if I want to go swimming. I hope to lose 60 pounds by this September and just keep it off!!!

Thank you for the opportunity and will talk to you all soon.

463 Days 6 Hrs 48 Mins 7 Secs

[nezy]

Well, I am definately in a slump!!

I have lost over 30 lbs. over many months-very slowly, by going to the gym and "cutting bacK'. Now, my "cutting back" just not seem to be enough. We are having an addition built to our home and the kitchen is under comstruction so we have been fast fooding it and thta does not help at all. It is very difficult for me to cook anything -microwave access only.

Also, having lost weight -but still have about another 25-30 to go, I have a false sense of satisfaction. Almost like-I have done good, now let me reward myself w/ that--- caramel apple or that
ice cream. It is like self sabotage.

I am not used to being this weight--my clothes from last summer are all 2 to 3 sizes too big, but I can't afford to get a new wardrobe.

and-the rain won't stop!!!

P.S.- How do I get one of those "Dis wiush " clip arts attached to my posts?

[nativetxn]

<b>MrsPutnam </b> Welcome to the DIS and a special welcome to WISH. I am very glad you found us and I am thrilled that you are going to be part of my support group now. I hope you can visit us often.

I think that setting a goal of losing 60 pounds in about 15 months is very reasonable. I have no doubt that you will reach this goal easily, all of us are going to help you.

If "cutting back" isn't working now, will you be following a formal eating plan? We have just about every eating plan that exists represented here on WISH. Let me know which plan you decide on.

<b>nezy</b> You have come to the perfect place to get you out of that slump. Welcome to WISH!

You have done a great job so far. Congratulations on losing that 30 pounds. Now that you have found WISH your new support group is going to pull you right out of that slump and push you along the road to goal. You just wait and see :)

<i>We have a special WISH member clipart that you may add to your signature if you choose. This clipart is exempt from the WISH clipart guidelines. What we do is start with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before we took the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It is fun and motivating.

There is an excellent post by Wovenwonder telling you how to add the clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help adding this to your signature just send a private message to glo, Kelsie or me. You could also ask for help on the Technical support board.</i>

I'm so glad to see two new members for my support group. The most <b>magical</b> part of WISH is the wonderful support group here which is made up of men and women following all different types of eating plans. When you need comfort, support, ideas, a smile or a bop on the head, they are always here for you.

WISH has been a wonderful help to me, I know that it is going to be helpful for you too. You are both on the road to goal now and you are going to be amazed at how much help you find here at WISH. We are here if you need us and we're always ready to help. All we ask in return is that you help <i>us</i> when <i>we</i> need help. Is that a deal?

Okay, let's get started then. Onward and Downward, my new friends. You are on your way to goal and you are going to have lots of fun getting there, honest :)

Katholyn

[jcemom]

With some advice and encouragement from Katholyn, I started Atkins today (again). I tried it last month and lost 10 lbs before I gave up. I was happy to see when I weighed myself this morning that despite giving up on the plan, I have not gained the weight back -- yet. Yahoo!

Last summer I was pregnant, the summer before that I was a size 7, this summer I have nothing to wear and feel lousy.

My goal is to lose 35 lbs more--obviuosly not in time for summer, but a nice New Year's Eve dress I would "settle" for.

I will be attempting Atkins again, and would like to try to squeeze in walks 3-4 times/wk. I really do enjoy walking and we have a nicely landscaped business park that is great for walking--and it's near enough for me to walk to. (Finding the time--especially with school out--is usually the problem. But I'll try--hard.)

Of course, it's Father's Day, and we will be eating dinner out tonight. On the upside, DH usually chooses a steakhouse! Filet Mignon here I come! LOL :p

[FFerret]

I've lost my first five pounds--hurray!

[nativetxn]

<b>jcemom</b> I'm really glad that you decided to join us here on WISH. I think you are going to find that WISH is a very helpful place and lots of fun.

How is Atkins going for you today? Are you feeling alright? I hope you don't have any withdrawal symptoms.

You have a very reasonable goal weight and timeline. I imagine you will reach goal long before New Year's Eve. You are going to have fun doing it too :)

<b>FFerret</b> That's wonderful! Did you post to the check in thread? I know my fellow WISHers would love to see how well you are doing. Good job losing 5 pounds.

Katholyn

[LuvTigger]

Okay, can I SERIOUSLY jump on the bandwagon this time?

I've posted on the WISH sporadically, but now I really need to get serious about sticking to my program! I have two primary setbacks: (1) lack of motivation, and (2) my job. I work a job that keeps me extremely busy January thru May (i.e. I have to eat what I can, when I can), and the rest of the year is fairly easy-going, which means I absolutely have no excuse at this point.

My story:
I always was slightly overweight, but about 12 years ago or so, I guess I started gaining a LOT of weight without even realizing it. About 40 pounds. My goal is actually to lose 50 since I was already slightly overweight to begin with.

I'm on a program called Health Pointe. Basically, it's moderate-carb, low-fat, moderate protein. So for breakfast, I can have either a fruit OR a grain, and a protein. For lunch and dinner, it's lettuce, veggie, protein, and fruit. All servings are measured (so I can't just go hog wild on any particular item). I am actually encouraged to snack, but they must be protein snacks. I eat protein bars and shakes for snacks. It also involves moderate exercise. The goal is to walk 10,000 steps per day, so I wear a pedometer. BF and I have standing walking dates twice a week with a friend, so that helps, unless something comes up for one of us.

I am just tired of being overweight. I think I am fairly comfortable with myself as a person, but I am at a point where I want to be healthier, and I am concerned about prevention of future health problems (I don't have any at this point, thank goodness). I would also love a new wardrobe! I am always telling BF, "if I was skinny, I'd wear that," pointing to mannequins, etc.

Now that I have more time and I am constantly on the DIS anyway (shh, don't tell my boss!), I am looking forward to visiting WISH daily and checking in, as well as seeing how everyone else is doing. Btw, congratulations to all of you who are doing so well, and thanks to the mods and other inspirational DISers!!!

[nativetxn]

<b>LuvTigger</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm really glad that you decided to join us. Good luck with Healthy Pointe, I'm sure you're going to do great with it.

The support found on WISH is just so great. I'm glad you will be part of my support group now so that you can benefit from it too.

If you want to add the WISH clipart to your signature there is a post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)

I hope you can visit WISH often. No lurking allowed, either. Your participation is vital to <i>my</i> success. (See how selfish I am? ;) )

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[MomE@Home]

nativetxn,
Thank you for your invitation to join W.I.S.H. ! I accept the challange! I have been a lurker on this board for quite a while now.
I started the Atkins diet again this last Friday after going off it in Feb. of this year. I ordered a lot of items from the Atkins website (ketchup,crackers, bread, tortillas,lemonade, salad dressings ect..) I also get some Atkins products and my vitamins & supplements from the Vitamin Shoppe at a discount.
I started walking on my tredmill again starting out at 15 min. & working my way up. I do yoga and I just ordered the Firm. (does anyone else use the Firm, how do you like it ?).
As I posted before, my goal is to lose about 30 lbs. to get to the 110-115 lb. range ( I'm 5' 3", med. boned and 143 lbs. & size 14/16).

[~*Belle 2003*~]

I am going to take the WISH challenge with you all and will start officially on Saturday. I don't have a plan to follow as yet but I want to begin eating more sensibly, meaning proper meals instead of snacking out and skipping them. I lost some weight last year by cutting out certain fats and I was amazed how easy I found it after a couple of days. The main thing for me will be to start exercising, even walking more as I am so lazy at the moment! I would love to loose 42lbs, perhaps even more, but every lb lost willl be a bonus!

I just need the time now to read all your wonderful posts and success stories. :)

I'm feeling much more positive now that I have posted and I have added the WISH clipart as well! ;)

[mishoe01]

I want to join too!!!! I have started to exercise - joined CURVES, and have been doing my Tony Little Gazelle at home (working on going longer than 2 miles at a time). I have been able to lose 16 lbs since the 12th of May (YEAH!!!), but still have loads more to lose.

Am also interested in the WISH Walk at WDW in Jan 2005.

Monica

[d.kurz]

OK, this makes me official, right? I normally don't do well on my own, I need to go to WW and get on that scale. So you WISHers will be my conscience this time, ok? Do I need to slide my 12 bucks into the floppy drive, or what???:D :D :D

Didja ever notice how just getting started makes you feel so much better?? Like Mary Poppins says, "Well begun is half done."

Gonna go get that clipart now. And thanks!

[Dimplenose]

Whoops - I missed this thread when I joined you all in the WISH challenge. I've been with WISH just over a week now and lost 3 and a half pounds already, and another 12 before that. I am with a club called Slimming World and have about 5 stone (70lbs) to lose in total. Hoping for a new clippie soon!

Libby

[nativetxn]

<b>MomE@Home</b> <b><i>*GASP*</b></i> You <i>lurked</i>????? <i>Here</i>???? Then you know that we have been saving a place for you--we've been saving your place a long time. It's about time you decided to delurk ;)

I'm just tickled that you have taken the WISH challenge. I could use your help and you are a great addition to my support group. Welcome to the family!

You've got your goal, your eating plan and now you have WISH. You are certainly on your way to goal, now. You're going to do great, I'm sure of it!

<b>~*Belle 2003*~</b> Thank you for posting here, too. This thread is my one hope for keeping up with my support group :)

I'll just put you down as "eating sensibly". I'm really glad that you will be here on WISH with us now. You are going to love it here. Let us know how Saturday goes for you.

<b>mishoe01</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. I'm very glad that you found us and I'm thrilled that you will be part of my support group.

We have lots of "Curvy" WISHers here, you have a ready made workout support group just waiting to help you in any way that they can. Will you be following the Curves eating plan too?

Our own karebear1 is keeping track of the marathon info. Just send her a pm if you have any questions. She's really nice, you're going to love her to pieces.

I'm just thrilled that you decided to join us, mishoe01, I think you are going to like WISH--it's a very helpful and friendly place.

<b>d.kurz</b> YAY, you're official. We have a lot of WWers on WISH and they are ready to help you with program information, all you have to do is ask.

Visit WISH often and join in the discussions. It is helpful for us all for WISHers to participate on WISH. You are going to do great with this endeavor, I'm sure of it.

<b>Dimplenose</b> Thanks for posting here, too, Libby. As you may have noticed, I have a tendency to leave WISHers off the roster if they don't post here. I'm getting older and the memory is going--what can I say? ;)

You are doing great, cutie. I'm glad you are part of our family now.

<i>If you haven't added the WISH challenge clipart to your signature yet and would like to do so there is a post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403).

We begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we can "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating. If you need help adding this to your signature just send a private message or email to glo, Kelsie or me and we'll find some help for you.</i>

The very best part of WISH is the support group which is made up of men and women who follow all kinds of eating plans. They are always here and ready to help their fellow WISHers. All they ask in return is that y'all help <i>them</i> when they ask. It's a pretty good deal. It's free, too ;)

I hope you are all ready to see some success. You all seem to be very motivated and determined. You are going to do great job reaching goal--I just know you are--your fellow WISHers are going to help you.

Visit us often and participate in the discussions and you will discover the <b>magic</b> of WISH. Helping and encouraging others will help <i>you</i> too. It is just amazing how that works. I love it here. I think you're going to love it here too.

Onward and downward, my friends. Are you prepared for success? Because you are about to be very <b>successful</b>!

Katholyn

[nezy]

I just added my clipart.
Ok-now hold my feet to the fire, you guys.

It is very difficult to behave and eat well right now. We are having an addition built to our house and the kitchen is totally out of commission. Fast food, cereal and sandwiches seem to be the diet staples. We cannot afford to eat out that often but it is defiantely been a very hectic situation for someone trying to get on an eating regiment.

Any suggestions?

I do have a goal--I am definately interested in doing the 2005 Jan. 1/2 Marathon.

[nativetxn]

nezy, what eating plan are you going to follow? That is what will determine what advice you receive.

Why don't you start a post and ask your fellow wishers for help with this?

I know you would receive some great advice.

[Chim Chiminy]

I have been lurking here for quite some time as well. I have at least 100 pounds to lose. I have a large frame, am 5' 4". I have been using a treadmill at home for over a year now. Four to five times a week, twenty to thirty minutes. I have been using slim-fast and following the sf plan. In combination with a medication (for another medical condition. One of the side effects is loss of appetite), since the end of May I have lost 16 pounds. I cannot eat very much otherwise I become sick, so I have stuck with using the slimfast.
Everyone on this board sounds like they are doing so good. It is nice to have a group of people to help motivate and encourage others.

[Peanut]

Hi. I soo badly want to accept this challenge! I'm looking forward to all the motivation and support from everyone!

[marydmjj]

Nativetx: Thanks for the invite to join the challenge! When I first posted to WISH I just added it to the bottom of my signature because it's a cool lookin' clippie. Now I'm official, wahoo! :D

I'm starting Atkins tomorrow, which incidentally is my 10 year wedding anniversary! I'll do an official weigh-in first thing in the morning. I need to lose 20-25 lbs. I'm 5'3", medium boned and not comfortable in a size 12. I'm starting to play on a soccer team again next week, have an eliptical trainer (very dusty :p ) that is going to get a work-out, and really really need to get healthy!

I'm positive I'm going to need support. I'm definitely a carb-addict. Mostly bread and pasta but have been having major candy/sugar attacks lately. I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to Diet Pepsi too but I haven't had one since last weekend so maybe I'm not. :confused:

[nativetxn]

<b>Chim Chiminy</b> I'm very glad you decided to delurk and take the challenge. Thanks for posting here, too. It is a help to me.

There are a few other WISHers following the slimfast plan, too. Good luck with this, you sound as though you have already been pretty successful at losing weight. How motivating!

<b>Peanut</b> Thanks for posting here too. If it is support and motivation you are looking for, you have come to the right place. We've got lots and lots of that here on WISH. We're happy to share with others, too.

Many WISHers also follow the WW plan. You will have plenty advice and encouragement when you need it.

<b>marydmjj</b> I'm glad you have officially taken the challenge.

Rbuzotta also plays soccer. I do so admire anyone with the talent to do something like that, I seem to be athletically impaired and I injure myself playing sports. Every single time, too. I can't even bowl without injury. Sad but true.

Happy 10th anniversary. That's quite a milestone. How strong you are to begin a new eating plan on your anniversary. Good for you!

Lots of us eat the Atkins way and we love it! I'll bet you are very successful reaching your goal.

<i>If you haven't already added the member clipart to your signature and you would like to do that there is a great post telling you how right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)

We start with a <b>zero loss</b> regardless of how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge and then everytime we lose 5 pounds we can "trade up" to a new clipart. It is fun and motivating.</i>

Sounds like all of you are determined, motivated and ready to go. You are all going to be so successful at reaching your goals. All of your new WISH friends will be here to help you when you need it.

Onward and downward,

Katholyn

[Barbruka]

Thanks for the invitation to join the WISH challenge. How does this work? Do you automaticly put the clip art on my signature? Do I post here each week when I lose?

I just started Atkins a couple days ago. My first weigh in will be Monday. Do I put that loss here?

[nativetxn]

Yes, you will post your loss to the weekly checkin thread that our own Jiminy102 posts each week. Your weigh in occurs after you took the challenge, so you get to claim the reward you earn :)

That member clipart looks great on you. Don't get too attached to it, though. I'll bet you are trading up very, very soon.

Promise you will visit WISH often? I think you will be amazed at how helpful it is to participate here.

You're on your way to goal, now and I am convinced that you are going to be very successful getting there. I know for sure you're going to have fun and make new friends.

We're always here if you need our help, Barb. All you have to do is ask :)

Katholyn

[AMClvsMKY]

Can I "join" too?? I just visited this board for the first time yesterday to get some info on Atkins. I started the plan today.

I am 5'3" and need to lose about 25 pounds. I weigh 155 now and would love to get down to 130 - heck, I would be thrilled to be in the 130's!:D

Edited to add - besides using Atkins, I am also trying to walk, both on the treadmill and outside and I have a 64 oz mug that I fill up in the morning to make sure I get enough water each day.

Good Luck everyone!!:D

[disneywithkids]

The trip planning DIS Board has been fabulous and really made a difference in getting a great deal on flight, room, etc., not to mention the hundreds of tips that I will be incorporating into our trip on October 4 to 14, 2003. The only thing left to do is get in shape! So thanks for this forum!

I would like to lose about 30 lbs (that would get me to about 135 lbs although I haven't checked the scales lately!) I think it's do-able if I start right NOW!

So that's my plan...I'm hoping joining the 'WISH Challenge' will keep me on track.

I am also going to MNSSHP and figure picking/buying a costume that I need to get into will also motivate me! (I did that with my wedding dress a few years ago and although it was close, I did manage to fit into it!)

I'm going to do body for life...I did 9 weeks of it last year faithfully and felt great (for my sister in law's wedding). Then I let loose since the wedding and I'm back to square one.

Here we go again!

[DisneyMom]

Been on a modified Atkins diet since first of the year - lost 68 pounds so far! Have a good ways to go yet, and encouragement from DISBOARDS would be great! Let me know what I need to do to be "Official"

Thanks and looking forward to joining!!

[padisneylover]

Hi,
I would also like to join the challange. I started WW on line in Nov of last year and have managed to lose 28 lbs officially so far. I was down to a loss of 35 but just came back from vacation and as you can see I was not very good. I am back on the wagon now and hopefully on weight day Sunday I will see a good loss.
Please let me know what I need to do to become part of this challange group.
Kathe

[nezy]

Is that (Body for Life) w/ Billy Smith?

How is that to follow? Do you have to be strict w/ it or can you deviate a little? (I guess deviate is a nice way to say "cheat"). I know you get the free day to pig out-but I may need to spread it out rather than do it all at once. Maybe that is why I am in this situation.

After doing it for 9 weeks what did you find to be the most difficult part?

[Rain]

Have I been naughty!!!!

My wish banner thingy has Gone:( ????????????

[nativetxn]

<b>AMClvsMKY</b> It's great to see you here. Of course, you may join us, I was hoping you would ask.

Good for you, taking control of your weight while you have 25 pounds to lose. Very wise. I follow the Atkins plan too and so do many other WISHers. We have had wonderful success with it. If you have any questions about the program all you have to do is ask. You will receive speedy replies.

<b>disneywithkids</b> Welcome to the DIS and a special welcome to WISH, I'm so glad to see you here.

We have a few WISHers who also follow the Body for Life plan. I'm sure they will be happy to share information about the program with you.

<b>DisneyMom</b> You're official! WOW, you have already had some wonderful success at this weight loss stuff. Losing 68 pounds in six months is just terrific progress. You are going to be an excellent example for me. I'm so glad you will be part of my support group, now.

Many WISHers follow the traditional Atkins nutritional plan, several WISHers follow a vegetarian Atkins plans. Plenty of advice and information about the program is available if you need it.

<b>padisneylover</b> You just became part of the group, Kathe. I'm really glad, too.

There are many WISHers who follow the WW plan. If you have any questions about the program or need advice, all you have to do is ask. They will be happy to help you.

<i>There is a special member clipart that you may add to your signatures, if you wish. This clipart is exempt from the DIS clipart guidelines, isn't that great?

What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating.

There is a great post telling you how to add this clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help adding this to your signature just send a private message or email to glo, Kelsie or me and we will get you some help.</i>

Well, you all sound like you are ready to get started on that road to goal (some of you even have a head start :) ). You have your goal set, your plan and determination. The only thing you were missing was WISH and you have that now too.

I hope you are all ready to succeed. You are all going to succeed at reaching your goal. I know this is true because all of your WISH friends are going to help you do that!

Katholyn

[nativetxn]

<b>rain</b> I don't know what happened to your member clipart. Which one was it? I'll try to get some technical help for you but I need to know which clipart you had in your signature.

I merged your weight loss report to the check-in thread. You will find it <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=3707180#post3707180). Not everyone reads the challenge thread but we always read the check-in thread every week :)

You are doing great, too!

Katholyn

[PamCo88]

Well, here goes.....

I need to join WISH challenge to be able to fit/stay in my wedding gown. So as of today I have a starting number and we'll all see what happens when I stop doing Atkins and change to WW. Hopefully I don't gain what I already lost (8 lbs).

[Mis4Mouse]

Hi Pam - I'm new here too....these people here are awesome, and I wish you the best of luck!


Sue

[Rain]

Hi Kath,

It is the Wish Challenge Banner that has dissapeared ? don't know why!
Thanks,

Lynda

[nativetxn]

I have sent out a call for help from one of our techie mods. Hopefully it will be replaced soon.

I have no idea where it went but I know you weren't <i>that</i> naughty ;)

[Amaris]

Hello! I would like to join everyone on this thread! I have already lost 25 lbs on WW and still have a ways to go! I like the WW program, plus I have a really nice eliptical trainer in my room I have not used in a bit, at least consistently. My goal is to continue WW and to use my eliptical at least 5X a week. I need to get ready for all of that walking in September when we go to Disney! Thanks for a great thread. This will keep me inspired! :) :Pinkbounc

[nativetxn]

Hi <b>Amaris</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you decided to join us.

It sounds like you have been having wonderful success with the Weight Watcher program. We have many WISHers who follow that program and I'm sure y'all will have lots of program information and advice to share with each other.

There is a WISH member clipart that you may add to your signature, if you wish. There is a great post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). The WISH clipart is exempt from DIS clipart guidelines which is very helpful.

What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> when we begin regardless of how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It is fun and motivating.

The very best part of WISH is our wonderful support group which is composed of men and women following every imaginable nutritional plan. Whether you need information, support or just a smile, they are always here ready to help you. All they ask in return is that you help <i>them</i> if they need help.

I think you're going to like it here. WISH is a friendly, positive and helpful forum. I'm so glad that you are part of our family now. You are going to be so successful--just wait and see :)

Katholyn

[jtbdas]

Kelsie,

I am up to the challenge, I must do something, my DW and I are expecting a DS in late October 2003. For the love of my health I need to do this. I expect to do it through food moderation and types of food. I have tried many of the diets and find that my best success is physical activities and moderation, not a specific diet. My goal is to loose 50 pounds. I do not want to lock myself into a date, this is a process of time and effort. Thank you I look forward to sharing my success with those around here.......


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[nativetxn]

I'm not Kelsie, <b>jtbdas</b> but I just wanted to welcome you to the DIS and especially to WISH. I'm really glad you decided to join us here.

Congratulations! New babies are truly wondrous little creatures. Isn't it wonderful how you can know the sex before the birth?

Well, you sound like you are determined to get rid of that extra 50 pounds and you have certainly come to the right place to do that whether or not you follow a formal eating plan. I'll just list your plan as "eating sensibly" will that work?

The very best part of WISH is the support group here. Lots of special and caring men and women join together on WISH to offer help to each other. Help, support, information, smiles---it's all here on WISH. If you have any questions all you have to do is ask and you will receive speedy replies.

You are going to be very successful losing this weight, I'm sure of it. After all you know how you need to eat, you are going to exercise and you are going to visit WISH--you're all set. You're going to do great because all of your new WISH friends are going to help you do that.

You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature, if you choose. There is an excellent post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). This special clipart, designed by Kelsie, is exempt from the DIS clipart guidelines.

Well, all that's left is to get started...get ready for success---WISH is going to help you achieve it :)

Katholyn

[jtbdas]

Nativetxn,

Thank you for the warm welcome and encouragement. I look forward to the successes shared with all. My start is at 211 and my goal is 160. Away I go..... Thank you again for welcoming me.

[LisaTx]

Katholyn and the story of her DH inspired me to take the WISH challenge too. My DH and I are both doing Atkins. We started 6/14/03.

It's going great so far. I've lost 9.5 lbs. :) :) :)

Thank you all for being such a great inspiration and a huge source of information. :) :) :) :) :)

[nativetxn]

What a nice thing to say, Lisa. I'm really glad you decided to join us here. I think you're going to find that the info and support available on WISH is just magical. It has helped me alot to visit WISH everyday.

You have already had great success--how is Trey tolerating the Atkins plan? I know it has saved my husband's life, literally. It's the smartest and easiest eating plan either of us has ever followed. We have taken this as a lifetime plan.

I hope Trey is seeing some good improvement in his blood sugar.

I'm just tickled that you are a WISHer now, Lisa. Welcome!

Katholyn

[Amaris]

Thanks for the warm welcome! My graphic has been added, I am headed for the water cooler and eliptical trainer.. ha ha! Thanks! :)

[goofy4wdw59]

I've noticed the "WISH" clip art in others' posts. With my most recent decision to get "back on track" with weight loss, I discovered the separate WISH board. Hello to all of you!
The short of it is, I've been playing this "weight" game for too long & I don't want to fool around with this anymore. The facts are very clear for me:
I'm the mother of three young children.
I'm getting older & I don't take my health for granted anymore--it's so much more important to me & I want to keep up with my kids, fully participate in their lives.
We are going on a Disney Cruise in Nov. and I would really, really like to be thinner. We've been saving & planning for this a long time, and, I want to enjoy my cruise (instead of constantly worrying about appearance, etc) & picture memories.
This is a vain thing, but, I don't want to be the BIGGEST mom in my kid's class. (I speak from experience--I've already been the biggest mom in my DD's pre-school class).
Also, I'm so tired of carrying around the extra weight, & my joints are letting me know they can't take it, ha!
SO...I'm on the Atkins diet and have a few days successfully done. I'm feeling strong that I'll be sticking with it. (I first tried Atkins in 2000 and had the best results in years.) I will be trying some of the low-carb recipes! One of my downfalls with Atkins is not getting enough variety (and, avoiding the dreaded sweets).
Before I go out and buy new tapes or equipment, etc., (oh how many times have I done that in the past?), I'm going to use what I already have...do what I can, and...make sure I'm committed! I've dusted off my old "Sweatin' to the Oldies" exercise tapes and started using them for the first time in years. I also plan on getting up early enough to exercise with Denise Austin on the Lifetime channel. I have to get my "Nordic Track" out of the closet--it's in great shape, Ha!
I'm 5'4" and I think I have a med frame--somewhere. I'm focusing on just losing pounds right now so I don't get overwhelmed. The long-range goal is my "ideal" weight somewhere between 138 - 149.
Good Luck to all of you and lets all hang in there!
Margaret:D

[Sharon A.]

Hi all,

I joined WW online 2 weeks ago to take off the weight I put on while injured. I love WW points so far. It's so easy. Some days I have trouble getting enough points in. I also love how flexible it is and how you can eat anything.

So far I've lost 6.8 lbs in the 2ish weeks I've been doing it. I know it's a little fast, but I'm sure I lost a lot of water. I also started exercising a lot again now that my knee is getting better. My goal is to lose 20 so I've still got another couple months to go.

[wdwaholic]

Hi everyone-
This is great!I've finally found a support group that revolves around my favorite things!!(see my ID!!).Seriously though,I am one of those diet for liferswho have lost and gained more pounds than my 8yo weighs.I am embarrassed to look at myself in pictures and usually wind up being the head in back of others in our pictures(bet I'm not the only one who has done this!) and I need to get back on track.Will try Atkins again-going out food shopping today and stocking up on good foods.Will also return to CURVES(great for those allergic to sweating!!)
We will be @FW cabins in 8/18-25 so I am setting a goal for myself of about 15-20 lbs by then.Now if Atkins would come out with an "Affordable" ice cream I'd really be in heaven!!

Good luck to all,
Trish

[regi]

I am joining Weight Watchers on Saturday and would love to join in with your challage. Please let me know what to do. Thanks.

[nativetxn]

<b>goofy4wdw59</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm glad you have decided to join us here.

We have lots of WISHers who follow the Atkins nutritional plan, including me. We are having wonderful success and I'm sure you will too.

If you have any questions about the program all you have to do is ask, we have some real low carbohydrate experts on WISH and you will get speedy and knowledgeable replies.

I think you're going to like it here. WISH has been very helpful to me and I know it can help you too.

<b>Sharon A.</b> Welcome to WISH!

We have many WISHers following the WW program. You have a ready made support group specific to your program. Sounds like you have had some pretty good success already.

I'm so glad you decided to join us. WISH helps keep us all motivated and determined. You are going to make a great addition to our support group.

<b>wdwaholic</b> I'm really glad that you decided to join us. I think we all understand how you are feeling. That is the magic of WISH, everyone here faces the same challenges whether they have 10 or 100 pounds to lose. It is helpful to have a support group like WISH. It's helped me a lot.

I also follow the Atkins plan and so do many other WISHers. If you have any questions about the program just ask, you will receive speedy replies. I hope you will also be sharing your experiences with Atkins. We all learn from each other here.

<b>regi</b> Welcome! I'm glad you decided to join us. You've already done all you need to do--you posted here. You are now an official WISHer. You are joining the greatest group of losers you could ever hope to meet.

There are lots of WW here on WISH. If you have any questions about the program or need suggestions of recipes, all you have to do is ask. Everyone here is happy to share their knowledge with you.

<i>I love seeing all of these new faces, here. The best part of WISH is our support group which is made up of men and women following all different kinds of eating programs. They are here to support, guide, advise and help you reach goal. All they ask in return is that you help <i>them</i> if they need help. It's a pretty good deal :)

There is a WISH member clipart that you may add to your signature if you choose. What we do is begin with a <b>zero</b> loss, no matter how much weight we may have lost prior to taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart if we want. It's motivating and lots of fun.

There is a post telling you how to add that clipart right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help adding this to your signature just send glo, Kelsie or me a private message and we will find some help for you.</i>

Good luck everyone, I know you're going to reach your goal because all of your new WISH friends are going to help you.

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[jsmith]

Ok nativetxn here I am! (I was so sorry I missed meeting you when you were in Denver!) officially signing up for WISH.
I will be using the South Beach diet and Curves and am motiviated by a 20th annivesary trip to Hawaii in November.
And now I am off to get my clippie!
Thanks for the warm WISH welcome!
Julia

[MelanieC]

Hi,
I am officially joining the Wish Challenge!!
I am using Weight Watchers

Melanie

[nativetxn]

<b>jsmith</b> I'm sorry you couldn't make the meet. We had a lot of fun, just talked, talked, talked. My dh even treated everyone to dinner at PF Chang. Of course, there isn't too much we could eat there now. If we make another trip to Denver we'll have to choose a steakhouse instead ;)

Thanks for posting here too. I think you're going to like WISH. It is just a very positive, friendly and helpful forum.

Boy! An anniversary trip to Hawaii is certainly a wonderful incentive to do well with this and you <i>are</i> going to do well, just you wait and see :)

<b>MelanieC</b> Thanks for posting here too. I use this thread as a guide for keeping our member roster up-to-date and if WISHers don't post here too, I leave them out sometimes. I really hate when that happens ;)

<i>I see that you've added the member clipart to your signature Melanie. It looks really good on you :teeth:

<b>jsmith</b> You may add the member clipart to your signature if you choose. There is a great post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403).</i>

I'm really glad you both decided to join us. One South Beach Diet devotee and one WW. That is perfect for our support group.

Visit WISH often, if you can and no lurking allowed. Your participation on WISH will help <i>you</i> and it will help all of your fellow WISHers. It's a great place to visit, too. Where else will you find such a great group of people who face the same challenges you face everyday and know exactly how you are feeling? Doesn't matter what our eating plans may be we all are going through the same thing you are. It has helped me a lot to have WISH to visit, it keeps me motivated and strong. WISH makes me smile and I really like that part :)

Katholyn

[NikiM20]

Id like to join if I may............we are planning our very first trip to Disney next May. I need to lose about 50 lbs :( I think it will be more fun for everyone if mom isnt too "big" to ride rides

[poohraedopey]

:jester: Can I join in? It's a late start but that's okay! I got on the scale last nigth and saw my first 10 pounds is gone. Now on to the 2nd 10! UGH! I have managed to regain a ton of weight I had already lost during the winter *sigh* so it's time to take it all back off. And then some to actually get to my origional goal of course! I have about 50 or so to lose from here out. I will be at goal for my next Disney trip in 2004 or 2005 ( I say 04 DH says 05 we'll see who wins ) :Pinkbounc

[nativetxn]

<b>NikiM20</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. I'm so glad that you have decided to join us.

Will you be following a formal eating plan or will you be "eating sensibly"? No matter what plan you follow you will find a lot of advice and information here.

I see you have added the member clipart. It looks good on you.

<b>poohraedopey</b> You're not making a late start, you are ready to do this now, so your timing is perfect for <i>you</i>.

I'm glad you are going to be here on WISH now. WISH is a great place, very friendly and very helpful. You'll see. Will you be following a formal eating plan or "eating sensibly"?

You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you choose. What we do is start with a zero loss, regardless of how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then everytime you lose 5 pounds you can "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun!

The best part of WISH is our support group which is made up of men and women following all different kinds of eating plans. Kind, helpful and emotionally generous people who face the exact same challenges you face. It's a great help to me to know that the support group is always here and always ready to help me. Now, they will be here to help you too. No judgements, no ridicule just support.

All they ask in return is that you help <i>them</i> if they ask. It's a pretty good deal, actually :)

I'm sure you will both reach the goals you have set for yourself. With the WISH support group behind you, you are definitely on your way to goal now. I hope you will visit often and join in with the discussions and fun here. It truly has empowered me to do that--WISH has been my very best DIS friend ever.

Katholyn

[poohraedopey]

Thanks for the Welcome here! I will make a real post below about me and my ".plan"

[Camping Griswalds]

I started dooing the Adkins diet in the beginning of June. not being too strict, just really watching my sugar and carb intake. I let my self "cheat" on weekends with popcorn of an occasional potato. Just really blew it today and baked choco chip cookies for the kids. Actually ate so much I feel sick which really inspired me to start right back in tomorrow!!! I have lost 15 pounds as of this am( after those cookies though who knows what tomorrow may be) I'm also starting those videos "walk away the pounds" My goal is to loseabout 40 pounds. I can remember what my face looked like then. I still won't be thin or even close to it, or even close to my "ideal body weight" but thats my personnal realistic goal that I can live with. A kind of little inspirational goal is to weigh below 200 by my trip to Disney scheduled for August 16th this year. Surprisingly I'm much closer than I thought I'd be, and I still have about 8 weeks to go. certaintly not bikini weight but livable!!

Thanks to all of you who have been so kind as to post your stories here, It helps people like me just trying to help myself to a better lifestyle!!

[Lisa96]

Ok, I'm ready to "de-lurk!"

After reading so many of the wonderful WISH posts I've decided to finally make a real effort to lose some much needed weight. Even though I love my potatoes like any other good Irish girl, I'm going to try the Atkins plan. I've read many of the posts here and on the Atkins site and books and I think I do have a blood sugar problem affected by carbs, so I'm working toward better health along with weight loss. My goal loss is at least 60 pounds.

I've started Induction today. I'm so glad all of you are here because I know I'm going to need the support! Thanks for all you guys do - just reading all the kind words you share and your successes has given me so much motivation.

Lisa

[nativetxn]

<b>Camping Griswalds</b> HI! I know you. You post on the theme parks board. You ask some great questions and are always ready to answer questions. I'm so glad you decided to join us here on WISH.

Sounds like you need to jump right back on induction real quick and try to get into ketosis. Once you do that, if you don't eat anything high in carbohydrates your appetite will go away and it just gets a lot easier to say "no thanks" to bread or a potato.

I also follow the Atkins plan. So do a lot of other WISHers. We've had some really good success with it too. I think you are going to like it here, Camping Griswalds, WISH is a very helpful and motivating place.

<b>Lisa96</b> If you've been reading WISH for a while then you probably know that I've been saving you a place here. I'm so happy that you have decided to delurk. I think that you are going to be happy about that too.

Did you ever read my posts about my husband and his type II diabetes? His blood sugar is normal now for the first time since 1988. He feels so much better and he loves the things he gets to eat on Atkins. He doesn't miss the things he can't eat. It has worked so well for him. His physicians have actually told him not to stop this eating plan and honestly told him that he is "saving his own life" by eating this way.

Good luck with this. Once you finish induction it will be easier for you.

<i>I see you both already have your member clipart, it looks good on you too.

The best part of WISH is our support group. The men and women of WISH follow all different kinds of eating plans but they face the same challenges and the same problems.

If you have a question about your eating program or if you just need to borrow some of our strength, we'll be here for you. We're going to count on you to be here for <i>us</i> in case we need <i>your</i> help, too. It is just <b>magical</b> how helpful our support group is--many caring, thoughtful, emotionally generous men and women--and they are so clever, too. An unbeatable combination.

Looks like you are both all set. You have your determination and motivation or you wouldn't be here, right? You have your plan. You have your goal set. You have WISH. Yep! That's all you need. Get ready to <b>succeed</b> my new friends--you are WISHers now and that's what we do here. We <b>succeed</b>!

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[CyranoJones]

Hi! I would like to join the WISH challenge too. I've already gotten some great information from this board. Thank you!

I am on Atkins and almost finished with the initial induction period, although I'm going to stay on induction longer. So far I'm down 8 lbs. I've never tried to lose weight before without feeling deprived and generally miserable. I haven't experienced that with Atkins at all.

~Ellen

[Zarr aka Joe]

Ok kids, count me in for WISH! Katholyn (nativetxn) and I had a lot of nice chats about WISH about a month ago at Epcot and now it's time for me to join.

I joined Weight Watchers about a year ago - I don't go to the meetings but do all my point counting fun at home.

Problem: I lost nearly 50 lbs by last March, but between weddings, vacations and final exams, I've put on about 15-20lbs back....dragging that total down to approx 30 lbs. Needless to say, I'm pretty disappointed in myself right about now.

The big goal - is to be within 25 lbs of my goal weight by next May when I finish Grad school. So, that gives me approx 10 months to get there.

The current in-between goal: lose that 20 lbs over the summer, before the Fall semester starts!

Special thanks to Katholyn for all her encouragement. Love ya Kath!

[DISNEYFANRI]

Hi - I posted for my first time today and an really looking forward to joining your group. As a victim of the 10-15 winter pounds I need al the support I can gte. I weighed myself this morning - intend to get a new scale this week - this one is sooo old and not quite sure how accurate. Also plan on buying "Walk Away the Pounds" - my SIL reccomended it.
My goal is to lose 10-15 pounds - eat healthier (no more oreos for breakfast) and be able to eat all foods in moderation.

Paula

[clhcpaca]

I am interested in joining the WISH group. I really need someone to talk to along the way....and it will be a long trip!!!

I am going to use the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Dr. Rachael Heller---it a modified version of the Atkin's Diet, incorporating diet, exercise and meditation in a week by week lifestyle change. You choose each week a different thing/change (from a list) to add to your life.

My goal isn't just to lose weight, but also pills, if that makes any sense. I figure a weight loss will result in my discontinuing some medication...and that is really important to me--the health results.
Anything else I need to tell you?

I will now try to add the clipart. I just figured out the countdown clock yesterday.

Thanks, Cindy

[Claire4dpins]

Hi Katholyn & everyone else,

Please can I join WISH because I want to get more healthy and comfortable with myself.

I am very over weight and depressed about it, I have been hiding from photos and mirrors for a long time now. I am ashamed of myself because I have previously lost over 100lbs which I kept off for over three years but due to various circumstances in the last 5 or 6 years I have put it all back on again.

I am trying to loose weight again - started the diet I am on now three weeks ago. I lost 6lb in the first two weeks and today I weighed myself at the end of the third week and I have lost nothing this week. I am very very down about that and would love to join WISH for some support.

I have been just cutting back and calorie counting for the past three weeks - that is what I did over the long term when I had my previous successful diet. Not sure about a diet plan - I am seriously considering Atkins - but I don't know that much about it - but I do know I LOVE pasta & potatos and so on. Have any pasta lovers made a success of Atkins? I must admit I do not even have the book at the moment so am ill informed - would welcome advice.

Well don't know what else to say really - but hoping that this will be a sucessful new begining.
Claire:D

PS Cindy say Hi to Mickey when you get there - we arrive the day after you - hopefully a little slimmer by then!

[nativetxn]

<b>CyranoJones</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm glad you decided to join us here.

I follow the Atkins plan, too and it is just the easiest thing I've ever done. There are lost of WISHers who follow that plan and some have been eating that way for a year or more. They are real experts. I count on their advice everyday and now you can count on their help too.

<b>Zarr aka Joe</b> I'm so glad to see you here, cutie. I was hoping you would join us.

First thing you have to do is "fuggedaboutit". Don't beat yourself up because you regained some weight. That's all history now and the interesting thing about history is that you can't go back and change it. So, what we do on WISH is concern ourselves with <i>right now</i>. We don't worry about the past.

<i>Right now</i>, you are determined, motivated and on track. Right now you are on your way to goal. That is all that matters, sweetie. Right now.

We have lots of WISHers following the WW plan. If you have a question about the program all you have to do is ask and you will get many speedy replies. I think you're going to like it here.

<b>DISNEYFANRI</b> Welcome to WISH! Good for you, taking charge of your weight while you still have 10-15 pounds to lose. I was not so wise and now I'm working lon losing a <i>lot</i> of weight.

I have the WATP tapes and they are helpful to me. I force myself to do this twice a day. Exercising isn't my favorite thing in the world but I'm trying to change my attitude about that.

I'll just put you down as "eating sensibly". I'm so glad you will be part of my support group now. WISH has been such a help to me. I'll bet you find it helpful too.

<b>clhcpaca</b> It's great to see you here. My husband has managed to get rid of some of his pills by following the Atkins plan. I know how you feel about losing those pills. Good luck with that.

We have other WISHers following the Carbohydrate Addicts Plan, I'm sure his you have any questions about the program all you will need to do is post and ask. You will receive speedy replies.

That member clipart looks very nice on you.

<b>Claire4dpins</b> It's wonderful to see you here on WISH. I'm glad you decided to join us.

I know how you feel about losing a lot of weight and gaining it back. I lost 80 pounds 4 years ago and gained 60 of it back. Once I found WISH, though, my entire attitude changed. I'm going to succeed with this weight loss. I'm going to keep it off. You are going to succeed too, you just wait and see.

I follow the Atkins plan and so do many other WISHers. My brother was a pasta addict who is now on Atkins ongoing weight loss. He says that he does not miss the pasta. So, hopefully you will be the same way once you get through the detox of induction.

<i>It is no secret that I love meeting new WISHers. I just can't have too many members in my support group. That's the best part of WISH--our support group.

Whether you need information, support or just a smile, the support group is always here and ready to help you if you need help. The most helpful part of the support group is that all of us face the same challenges, temptations, ups and downs. We understand each other and that is the biggest help of all.</i>

I see some of you have already added the member clipart. You may add it to your signature if you haven't already done so. What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we can "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating.

There is a great post written by Wovenwonder telling you how to add the clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403).

Is everyone ready to get started? Then let's get going! You are on your way to goal and you're going to be successful. All of your new WISH friends plan to help you do that.

Katholyn

[StaceyA]

Hello All!!
I just started Atkins yesterday...so far so good LOL
Im getting ready to have a snack of deviled eggs!
I wish they were chocolate eggs!
Glad to be here!!

[Mom2Princesses]

Hi Everyone!

I am pretty new to these boards, the DIS boards in general, and I just came upon this area for the 1st time. I would like to know a few things,
1st, what does W.I.S.H stand for?
2nd What if you are not sure of what diet to start, or don't really want a diet at all? I lost 30 lbs after the birth of my second daughter just by watching fat intake and eating "right" I have not gained it back, however, eating "right" is not easy with a husband who can eat anything and two young children. Oh, and I did this thing I haven't done in 2 years---excercise!

What I want to do is lose weight without making my house crazy. I don't want to prepare my meal separate from their meal everyday. I want to excercise, and cut the food that is a general NO-NO. Is there a way to come up with a plan of action? I have the videos I need, so I should start them ASAP. How do you do that with two young children? (ages 5 & 2). My house is crazy, neighbors, phone calls, errands etc - - do you just turn the phones off and lock the doors? Last time my children were considerably smaller and when you have a newborn it's easy to just put them in a swing and work out...those days are over!

Does anyone know of a "diet" that would put me in the right direction? I am posting this before thouroughly reading these boards, which I will do shortly, so sorry if I am asking for redundant info, I just don't know how to begin!

Also, I can never post anything "short and sweet", I tend to type and type and type...sorry!

[kimszath]

I just went back to WW today... had taken a two month break from it to try Atkins... had lost about 30 with WW before trying something new. Well... turns out that I probably didn't study enough about the Atkins plan before I went off (had lost about another 12 with Atkins over the 2 months), and when I went off Atkins to go back on WW, I gained back 13 pounds in about 2 weeks, just by putting carbs back in my diet plan!!! HOW DEPRESSING IS THAT??? Yes,I stayed within my POINTS. Having been through this experience, I know that Atkins is not for me... I am a true carbaholic, and am not willing to make a permanent lifestyle change. WW was working fine for me, so I'm back on it and trying to get my chin back up in the air!!! At least I know it's something I can live with for life. Sure will be nice to have the support system--both here & at WW!!! Goal: 45 pound in 4.5 months (Disney Cruise in mid-November). I'm already exercising har 6 days a week, and know I'llhave to keep it up if there's any chance of coming remotely near my goal! (Oh, andit's just a goal--that's wehre I was on my wedding day... if I can lose 35, I'l be thrilled! Your clipart is MOST cool!
Ciao!
Kim

[Mom2Princesses]

Okay, I just reread all the threads here, and am adding to my questions. It seems that there are so many success stories with Atkins and I know a few people myself who swear by it, so I am thinking I may actually try it! Question, I read that there were different versions of it, what one do I go with? I went on the Atkins website, but I found it a bit confusing. Also, how do I get the plan to read over and see what it sounds like? Do I have to buy the book? Or is it posted on a website somewhere? I would like to review it before I start, I am not saying I won't buy the book, I would if I knew what it sounded like.

I have to get to sleep early tonight, I want to wake up early and excercise before the kids get up tomorrow! I thought of that as an option to my earlier post. I am NOT an early riser, in fact, I worked midnights up until April! But, if I get used to it I will be fine! Got to change the way I think!

[Claire4dpins]

I have added my clipart and that has made me feel more positve already!!

I am continuing with calorie counting - but am going to buy the Atkins book and have a good read of it and consider changing to that! Even hubby seems interested in the Atkins diet - he likes things scientific!! So he may join me with that - but he has a LOT less to loose that I do.

Good luck to all! Onwards and downwards we all go!
Claire

[brownsoup]

I've been reading and it's time to throw my hat in. I think the support and universality of this board will be great. Sounds like there is alot of success on this site. I have dropped 18 lbs since our Easter 02 trip to Disney but really want to loose more. I'm a 35 year old Husband/Father who carries around 253lbs on his 5'11 frame. In the old days - it was ok for me to be big as I played football..... now I am a "desk quarterback" and sit most of the day at work. My kids and wife keep me active as does my love of mountain biking

Going to Disney feeling fat sucks. Right now - I feel better about myself but last year at 270lbs walking through Disney - it was tough. I am not seeking perfection - but health. I'm setting my goal weight at 200lbs - which is still "over weight" by the charts but in my impression - pretty healthy for me

I am unsure about what plan I need to follow but I am considering Atkins to get me back on track. I used Atkins over the last year at times with some success.

I find that planning for my trip to Disney gives me a goal to reach a healthy weight....I imagine myslef not worrying about fitting into the seats on the Tower of Terror and I think about feeling ok about myself as I float along in Stormalong Bay (we are staying BCV at the end of September)....... Cool!!

Getting back on track - Steve

[ksmom]

We have decided to plan a trip to DW for July 2004. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. Started looking at these boards and found this site. My downfall is the carbs and 2 months ago I cut them out. However, my daughter came home for a few weeks and I fixed all the foods we normally don't have so now I've gained everything back. Time to start over and stick with it. I'm glad this is here for my motivation. Thanks

[bliss4us]

I'm SO in!

I've put on 18 pounds in the last two months. Stress, combined with a total lack of activity, pushed me into a big slump.

Now it's time to get myself together. We leave for WDW on Oct. 24, so my goal is to lose all 18 pounds in the next 16 weeks.

I'm 33, and healthy (except for that extra weight!). My husband is super-active and eats as much as he wants, so I have a tendency to eat portions as big as his. I've got to get that under control. The upside - we don't care much for junk food or fast food.

My doctor recommended the Paleolithic Diet - At least half of your daily intake comes from fruits and vegetables. A quarter comes from lean meat and fish, and a quarter comes from whole grains. Minimal dairy, minimal processed or refined foods (like white flour or white sugar), and minimal processed, refined oils (like canola oil). Unrefined, cold-pressed oils like olive oil are essential, as is lots of water. Avoid caffeine and soda.

My biggest challenge - I just don't like to exercise. The gym, Curves, etc., aren't my bag at all. I have a treadmill that I'm trying to get friendly with, and I'd like to try Tae Bo. My goal is to try something every day, even if it's for only 15 minutes!

Would anyone be interested in checking in on a daily basis to report their activity for the day? I'd do better if I knew I was answering to someone - even in cyberspace!

Glad to be here...

Daisy;)

[dtuleya]

I've lost another five! Yeah! My total is 10. I continue to try to watch my carbs and not eat when I'm bored. It's actually been easier for me this summer. I work at an elementary school and kids are constantly brining in treats. We even have some moms who bake entire plates of assorted goodies just for the office staff! I don't eat alot of these, but those extra calories sure to do add up! Happy Fourth of July everyone!http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/jw016.gif

[quackattack]

DH & I can now say we are at the 10# mark. I am already starting toward the 15# mark. There are still 16 weeks left to go before our Disney trip.

Still just eating healthy and exercising. Stopped eating the treats that are always available at work. Of course, I don't always pass up the birthday treats. We don't always have cake. Last month it was fresh strawberries & reduced fat Cool Whip.

Next time 15#.

1/3 of Quackattack

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Just found out about this part of the board. You all are great with your inspiration.

I figured out how to put the banner at the bottom of my signature but I don't know how to change the pounds. I think someone else does that, am I right??

So far on Herbalife Lo-Carb I have lost 30 pounds. It's pretty much like Atkins, but with shakes, protein bars, soy nuts, fruity protein drinks and supplements. I really like it......I better because I have a long way to go.:rolleyes:

Thanks for your assistance and inspiration.:wave:

[Amaris]

I am doing this program, and I really like it .You have to exercise but it REALLY puts everything out in front of you. How many calories you BURN vs how many calories you consume. So, you set a goal and it tracks everything, daily .

The only drawback is you have to spend time inputting everything, and it does have a "right in your face" effect... ugh. Also, you must have computer access to use this, daily.

So if you need a behavior mod type program, I recommend:

http://www.fatburn.com

I have been with this program for four days and I am down two pounds, three more to get my first banner change!:) It is REALLY motivating me to EXERCISE too, which I hate doing!

I have done atkins in the past but I am a carb lover, and this one allows a fair percentage of carbs every day :)

[JillieGirl]

I am currently attending WW but would like to try low carb, especially since we are visiting WDW in October (4th - 11th).

Would like to lose 30lbs! :crazy:

[Harambe]

That is the old joke in our house. Have to start a diet on Monday! But boy am I ready.

I lost 30 lbs. last year on WW. I have gained about half of it back. I need to lose lots of weight (about 70 lbs!!!). I am basically feeling crappy! I don't really care what I look like, but I hate feeling crappy!

This past winter killed me. I was doing well on my walking (every day at lunch and two long walks during the week), but once all the snow and cold weather hit, I stopped. I bought an exercise bike but, you know, hung clothes on it! LOL!

Anyway, with the 4th over, there is a long stretch of time before school starts up again. I'd like to get back on track and have some healthy habits before September comes.

It is about 6 months to our next Disney trip and I really want to feel peppy! Since I know the WW diet, I am going to follow that. It will help my whole family if I cook healthier also.

I guess I'll go find the clipart!

[LAWalz23]

Hi everybody, after a month of yoyoing between parties and celebrations after returning from WDW, I finally am down 5 lbs. This will hopefully spur me on more weight loss as I have gone back to WW after losing 40 last year and putting 20 back on due to a variety of things. I have also started to exercise regularly again. Here I go for the 10lbs. I am taking it 5 at a time for now.

[mom2boys]

I have needed to lose weight for a long time. I can't even blame it on my 2 pregnancies in 2 yrs. Just always used food for comfort, bordom, reward... any excuse. So starting tomorrow, I am going to eat healthier & exercise. DH bought us a family membership to the YMCA and I will be participating in various classes. I did buy healthier food at the grocery today. If I can't do it on my own I will probably do weight watchers. Wish me luck.

[redsaid]

I'm in also.

I re-started today. Last year I lost 22lbs but when I fall off the wagon I do it with gusto! I am only about 5lbs under where I started last year. I am basically using WW points and am looking forward to the support I see here. I can not do atkins as I have a kidney disease that although currently not an issue (thank god), it would not be advisable.

beth

[raven3517]

Hello.

I would like to join W.I.S.H if I could.

I started excercising at Curves in February, and I also started to follow their Carb-Intollerant diet plan. It is pretty similar to Atkins, I think. I lost 15 pounds pretty quickly, but have gotten off track since the beginning of June. Over the weekend, I made a new committment to myself to get back on my eating plan and get back to the gym. I think the resources and encouragement here could be a really great help to me.

Aside from posting my desire to join, what else is it I'm supposed to do?

Thanks in advance :)

[ljcox]

Starting Weight Watchers on-line program - hoping to go to Disney in September a few pounds lighter - will post on progress.

[Terry S]

Wow, I didn't even know this was here! I started back in March. I decided at that time to make a lifestyle change. I had been blessed as a child to be thin, but after a couple a kids and a couple of decades, things changed and I was just not happy with myself anymore. I am basically just eating better, less portions, no snacking and no eating after 7:00 PM. I am also exercising. I have lost 11 pounds since March 1st and plan on 14 more pounds. I have been kind of at a platou for the last 4 weeks, I went to WDW and on the cruise about a month ago and I didn't gain any, but haven't lost any since, so I need a push and this might just do it. I also had not gotten back into my exercise routine since being back, but started yesterday morning, so I am glad I found this place.

[Paula H]

Hi everyone - here's the deal - Had a baby and then was able to lose all but the last five pounds. Had a second baby - and 18 mos. later I'm really struggling to lose it. I joined a gym over a year ago, and although the my stamina is 100x better and I'm sure my hearts now in great shape, I'm still not really shedding any weight. I joined WW in February, but have only lost a total of 8 lbs - but I could be trying alot harder, too.:D So, I started my 100 day challenge today... hopefully the "challenge" will help keep me motivated.

[nativetxn]

<i>Please don't think I was ignoring anyone. Sorry that I'm a little late welcoming our newbies but I'm not at home, I've been on the road and visiting relatives and this is my first chance alone with my laptop, LOL, and my first chance to welcome all of my new friends.

<B>StaceyA</B> I'm so glad that you decided to take the challenge. There are lots of WISHers following the Atkins nutritional plan. If you have any questions about the program or need recipes all you need to do is ask and you will receive several speedy and cheerful replies.

Welcome to WISH!

<b>Mom2Princesses</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. I'm so glad that you found us and will part of my support group now.

W.I.S.H.=We're Inspired to Stay Healthy.


I can never post anything "short and sweet", I tend to type and type and type...

SIS! I do the same thing :teeth: We must be long lost sisters.
Now, I won't feel like the only one that just goes on and on and on and on :-)
I follow the basic Atkins nutritional plan. It just seems to work the best for my husband and I. Let me know which low carb plan you choose. Just about every eating plan imaginable is represented here on WISH so no matter which plan you choose you will find other WISHers following the same plan.

<b>kimszath</b> Welcome to WISH. You will find many kindred WW souls, here on WISH. I'm really glad you decided to join us, I think you are going to find WISH to be very helpful, I certainly did.

<b>Claire4dpins</b> So, have you started following the Atkins plan yet? Or are you continuing with the low calorie plan? Whichever you choose, you will be successful. Let me know what you decide, okay?

<b>brownsoup</b> Welcome to WISH! I'm glad you decided to join us.

My husband is an ex-football player who takles the mediation table and his desk these days. He has had wonderful health benefits from Atkins. He has only lost about 45 pounds but he considers the weight loss a nice side effect. His blood sugar and very healthy lipids are his main goal.

I imagine you will have great success with Atkins, too. We have several people following the Atkins plan. In fact, one of our most successful male WISHers has lost over 50 pounds following the Atkins plan. If you have any questions about the program or recipes, all you have to do is ask. You will received helpful and speedy replies.

<b>ksmom</b> Boy, do I know how you feel, losing weight then gaining it back. I have decided to follow the Atkins plan for life. So far so good.

You are going to find that WISH is very helpful as far as keeping you motivated and determined. It has been such a help for me. Be sure and participate as often as possible. That is the secret for me, reaching out to others keeps me strong, motivated and determined.

<b>bliss4us</b> I've read some about the Paleolithic diet. I'm looking forward to seeing how well that eating plan works for you.

I think you may the only WISHer on that plan. Be sure and keep us posted about it. I'll bet you do great. I'm glad you will be part of my support group now.

<b>dtuleya</b> You are doing just great! I sure hope you are feeling proud of yourself. Alll of your WISH friends are proud <i>of</i> you.

Be sure and post your progress to our weekly check in thread. That way no one will miss it.

<b>quackattack</b> Look at you go! You and your husband are doing a great job with this healthy eating stuff. I hope you will post to our weekly check in thread. That way I can be sure not to miss your progress.

<b>Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc</b> I'm really glad you decided to join us here on wish.

I know we have at least one WISHer who follows the Herbalife Plan (at least we <i>did</i>). Sounds like you have already had some great success with this plan. You are a great addition to my support group. You will be a shining example for me.

We all begin with a <b>zero loss</b> when we take the challenge, no matter how much we may have lost before then. As soon as you lose 5 pounds, just send glo, Kelsie or me a private message and we will get the 5 pound loss clipart added to your signature for you. I'll bet you will be adding the new clippie very soon.

<b>Amaris</b> Sounds like you found the perfect plan for you. That's the most important step in successfully losing weight. You've already had some excellent success, too. Good for you! Don't forget to post to our weekly checkin thread. Jiminy102 posts a check in thread every Sunday.

<b>JillieGirl</b> Welcome to the DIS and an extra special welcome to WISH. I'm really glad you decided to join us. Losing 30 pounds in three months is a very reasonable goal. I'll bet you do great whether you follow WW or Atkins. Whichever program you choose to follow you will find several WISHers following the same plan.

Let me know which plan you decide to follow.

<b>Harambe</b> I'm glad you decided to join us here on WISH. We have many WISHers who follow the WW plan and they have had wonderful success. You know this plan works for you so you sound like you are all set. You have your goal, your plan and you have WISH. You're going to do great!

When I took the challenge I had at least 100 pounds to lose. I know 70 pounds sounds like a lot but for someone with your determination and with the help and support of your fellow WISHers you will be at goal in no time at all.

<b>LAWalz</b> Good job! 5 pounds gone forever. You are doing great. Be sure and post your progress to the weekly check in thread. We love sharing our fellow WISHer's successes.

<b>mom2boys</b> You sound all set. Eating sensibly is a wonderful way to get healthier. I have never been very good at doing that but I'll bet you do great.

I'm so glad you will be part of my support group now. I have found the WISH support group to be motivating and helpful. I'll bet you will too.

<b>redsaid</b> Welcome my friend. I, too, am expert at falling off the wagon. Well, I <i>used</i> to be an expert at that...then I found WISH and I haven't had any tumbles from that wagon since. I'll bet WISH helps you stay on that wagon now too.

We have several WW experts here. If you have any questions about the program or just need a recipe all you have to do is ask and you will get many speedy and helpful replies. I'm so glad you decided to join us. You are going to fit right in.

<b>raven3517</b> Welcome to WISH! I'm very glad you decided to join us. We have several WISHers who are Curves members and follow the Curves eating plan and they have had wonderful success. I'm sure you will too.

You sound very determined and ready to get started. That is excellent! I'll bet you do very well with this endeavor. You're going to make some great new friends while you are on your way to goal, too.

<b>ljcox</b> It's great to see you here on WISH. I'm glad you could join us. I think you will find lots of WW friends here. You are going to fit right in and I'm really glad that you are part of my support group, now.

<b>Terry S</b> Welcome to WISH! We have several WISHers who are "eating sensibly", you have a ready made informational support group.

I'm really glad that you decided to join us. We have a WISH meet planned in the Detroit area on 7/19. I hope you can be there, I would love to meet you in person. I think you're going to like it here, I sure do.

<b>Paula H</b> I'm glad you decided to join us sweetie. I think you will find that WISH is very helpful for keeping you focused and motivated. We have lots of WISHers following the WW plan--if you have any questions all you have tob do is ask and you will receive many speedy replies and great advice.

I'm really glad that you will be part of my support group.

<i>You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you choose. There is a wonderful post by Wovenwonder telling you how to do this right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help adding it to your signature just send a private message to glo, Kelsie or me and we'll do our best to help you out.

What we do is begin with a zero loss when we take the challenge, regardless of how much we may have lost before WISH. The every time we lose 5 pounds we can "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating.</i>

I think it's great to see so many new faces here on WISH. The very best part of WISH is our support group. Whether you need information, support or just a smile, the WISH support group is always here for you, ready to help if you need help. All we ask in return is that you be there for us if <i>we</i> need help. It's a wonderful arrangement really.

You all sound like you are motivated, determined and ready to succeed. That is excellent. You are all going to do just great, every one of your new WISH friends are going to help you do that.

Onward and downward, my new friends!

Katholyn

[firecracker]

I've been lurking for a few days, but I'm ready to jump in.

I started about 2 weeks ago and I've lost 8 pounds already. I started at 212 (I can't believe I just typed that for the world to see! I'm so ashamed of myself! I have totally let myself go for almost 8 years! OUCH!) and if I see 150 EVER then I'll die happy.

Honestly, I'd like to be to 150 or less before our next WDW vacation in June 2004. I posted on the Theme Park board that my hubby bet me that I couldn't hula hoop for 5 minutes straight. If I succeed by 8/15, then we get a 7 day WDW vacation (we can usually only go 3 or 4 days). If I can hula hoop for 15 minutes straight by 8/15 then we get the 7 day land/cruise package!!!

So, I'm exercising daily (20 minute Pilates/2 mile Walk Away the Pounds for Abs) and of course, hula hooping during the Price is Right or the news or Raymond...whatever...to keep my mind distracted.

I'm almost 33 and have 2 daughters (almost 8 and 6). My husband is a great encourager, but it gets hollow after a while. I'm excited to meet new friends and have this encouragement.

My weaknesses: still eating too much, I eat when I'm not hungry, really hard to pull myself out of bed....

OK, I'll stop rambling now!

Carmen

[nativetxn]

<b>firecracker</b> Will you be following a formal eating plan? Whatever plan you choose, you will find a lot of help and support here on WISH.

I'm really glad you decided to join us. I hope you won't be "lurking" anymore. I think you will find that the more you particpate here on WISH, the more motivated you become. I sure found that to be true for me.

You're going to do just great, I'm sure of it. I'll bet you are going to be able to hula hoop for 5 minutes straight soon. Just keep working out, you'll do fine.

I'm glad you are part of my support group, be sure to join our discussions often. It helps a lot, honest :)

Katholyn

[brownsoup]

Thanks for the feedback Nativetxn.... I am starting today by making better food choices and I plan on jumping into either Atkins or South Beach in the next few days.....stepped on the scale this am and was 254 - my "honest" start point.......getting started has been very difficult over the last few weeks for me - I have found myself giving into cravings at the drop of the hat......Thanks - Steve

[DaddyDon]

Ok...My wife has done such a great job(mum4jenn) I have decided to get on the Atkins bandwagon also!!!! I started on Monday right after our big "flaming"camping trip!!!

[jenanderson]

I think a lot of people lurk in this area while deciding what to do. Well, I have decided - I am not going to sit around reading about everyone's great plans and all of the support you give one another - I am going to join in.

Motivation - 10th Anniversary at the Poly in December with husband (leaving kids at home)
Current Weight - 175.5 pounds as of this morning
Plan - Weight Watchers plus exercising
Goal - 150 pounds (or more) and to tone up

I really want to feel good about my body image again and not be embarassed to be in my "Florida" clothes. It is really easy in Minnesota to layer up and hide it all but as I said, I am done hiding. I am looking forward to continuing to hang out on this board and be motivated by all of the success that is going on around here!

My next task - to get that W.I.S.H. clipart added to my signature!

[Maleficent2]

http://fitness.msn.com/articles/editorial/default.aspx?dept=exer&article=et_am_7faddiets_121202


just a few good articles on dieting and weight loss.


Mal

[nezy]

Hi All!
It is great to read all of these posts and see so many others in a similar situation.
I have been losing since last Fall, but have definately reached a slowing down point. It is like now having lost some weight I look better than before, so people are complimenting me and noticing a change. So, I get lazy and comfortable and feel good about myself-but I have to get motivated again. It has also been a transition period now that the kids are out of school My routine is shot.

So, what am I doing about this? Well I am starting a differnt excercise program-adding more cardio and even a Yoga class. When I take the classes I try to really give it all I've got even if it kills me. Otherwise I am just waisting MY own time.
I have also given up soda. I don't drink diet soda bacause of the chemicals-so water and skim milk and an occasional lemonade or iced tea. I am also eating more fiber and protein and salad and fruit. I have found for me that doing WW or Atkins or any other structured organized eating program drives me crazy to follow.

But if this doesn't work, I will have to try something a bit more organized.

Sorry so long with this.
Best of luck to all-remember take it slow. What comes off fast will come back on fast, what comes off slow----don't let it come back!!

WE CAN DO IT!!!

Noreen

[nezy]

I just checked out the wbsite you referenced. I went through all of the "steps" and it seems that you have to do some excercise every day. Is there a different format to follow if you pay the monthly fee? Also, for what my goals are and with 5 days of very active excercise my daily recommended calories were very low-actually they said I was "unrealistic", so what is the best advice for using this. Also, how are you keeping track of the calories.?

Thanks-looks interesting.

[goofy4tink]

Okay. I've been putting this off for too long. I'm jumping on the bandwagon. You guys are a terrific motivating force!! I need/want to lose about 20 lbs. I'm starting with a low-card diet. Sort of South Beach I guess. I think breads/cereals are my downfall anyway!! So, I'll be checking in here for support 'cause at over 50 it isn't going to be easy. Thanks for getting me going.

Diane

[MelindaKiah]

Oh! Please count me in with this challenge!! I have over 100 lbs to lose and am going to work very hard to lose a good amount of that before our trip that we won to Universal Studios next August!!

I will be working on eating mainly fruits and veggies and lean protein. Not sure what this plan would be called though!LOL

What a great challenge!!:D

[travel with kids]

I was so excited! I stepped on the scale and have finally lost 5 pounds. I have been waiting for this since July 3 when I posted my first thread and then got my little clippie. I came downstairs all excited to get my #5!! Then I read I was supposed to sign up here first.:( .

This is ok. Because I have more weight to lose!! I am doing the atkins diet. I have been on it since June 1, 2003. I have lost a total of 24.5 pounds:) . So, please count me in. I would like to lose 20 more pounds by labor day.

I will send you a PM when I lose the next 5 -- is this correct?

twk

[Scrufsmom]

Hello to all you diswish fans. My name is Scrufsmom. I wish to join this thread! I am currently on WW for the last two weeks and so far I have dropped 8 pounds. Yahoo!!!!!! I am totally in control, but soon I will be visiting WDW with hopes of keeping my diet going strong.

My current plan is to loose around 50 pounds if I can.....keep my chin up! That's what I tell myself daily. I have joined the list to be a part of the diswish marathon 2005. Excercise for me was going strong till I had a car accident almost two months ago and hurt my knee. So far the dr says I can start a simple workout plan, but I need to be careful. A great goal that I have made for myself is to get active again starting Aug 1st. The treadmill is my proirity.

Well, I appreciate the opportunity to post on this thread and everyone who is dieting continue, keep up the good work and should you faulter just get back into the groove of things!

[lexiluke]

I've got an embarrassing and very discouraging 125lbs to lose! Can't believe I'm hearing myself right, as I was such a skinny in high school and college.

I've tried EVERYTHING, but never Atkins, so I'm starting on that after my return from visiting friends next week. I've told myself that if I do not succeed on Atkins, then I will have the bypass surgery. I really don't want to have the surgery, but I've got two little ones who need a mom for a long time to come! Something's got to give!

I would love some extra support from this board. Say a prayer that Atkins works for me, I REALLY need it to! Thanks a lot.

[scarlett873]

ok...here i go!!

i was never one of the super thin girls growing up, i was always just a tad heavier...after college, i got myself a nice little desk job and gained a few pounds! yikes! it took a trip to WDW and seeing those pictures to realize that i wanted to lose the weight. so i tried the metabolife and an exercise program. i lost 30 pounds! and managed to keep it off after i stopped using the metabolife. i just exercised. but then i got back with my now DH and i got really lazy...and he got me eating "normally" again. (3 meals a day) and wouldn't you know it...i gained it all back...

we are both ready to do something about our weight now. DH has convinced me to try the atkins program. we started induction last week, but DH became ill and we stopped. but today we are back on!

my goal is to lose about 40 pounds right now...i'll take whatever i can get though! i'd like to finally be the weight that my driver's license says...:teeth:

[FFerret]

I DID IT!
I DID IT!

I lost my first ten pounds since I started -- finally down to 154 lbs (lost 11 pounds woohoo!)

(happy ferret dance)

Thanks so much for the support here, Kelsie :)

[nativetxn]

<b>DaddyDon</b> This is perfect! Another husband and wife WISH team. I <i>love</i> it! Not only that, but another WISHer who was the star at the Hoop De Doo Revue. Welcome to WISH.

I'm really glad you will be visiting us now...you <i>will</i> be visiting WISH often, right? WISH is a great plae to visit. I can't wait to see how well you do at your first weigh in after beginning Atkins. I'll bet you do just great :-)

<b>jenanderson</b> Lots of WISHers are planning on being at WDW in December, I sure hope our dates are the same because I would love to get to meet you in person.

Many WISHers follow the WW plan and have had wonderful success. If you have any questions about the program, all you have to do is ask and you will receive many speedy replies.

I'm glad you decided to delurk. We've been saving you a place, you know. I'm so happy that you are going to be part of my support group now. You are going to be so successful...just you wait and see :-)

<b>nezy</b> Welcome to WISH, I'm really glad that you decided to join us. Shall I list your plan as "eating sensibly" ? I truly admire anyone who can lose weight doing that, I don't seem to have a talent for eating sensibly. That's probably why I ended up with at least a 100 pounds to lose by this past January. Good for you!

Visit us often, Noreen. Participate often too. That's what makes WISH work so well for all of us--everyone's participation.

<b>goofy4tink</b> I'm so glad to see you here! We have a few other WISHers following the South Beach plan. I'll bet you do really well with it.

I had to give up all refined carbohydrates, I'm such an addict. Haven't had a piece of bread since 1/9/03 and I don't even miss it. It's just amazing to me the way that has worked.

Visit often and don't be shy. I'm just tickled that you are part of my support group now :-)

<b>MelindaKiah</b> Welcome to the DIS and a special welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you decided to join us.

I'll just list your plan as "eating sensibly". I'll bet you do a great job with it. I had at least 100 pounds to lose in January. I lost about 20 pounds on the Atkins plan in 3 weeks before Kelsie offered the challenge. WISH has been such a help for me, I'll bet you find it helpful too.

<b>travel with kids</b> This is how much I love you. Search isn't working at this moment so I started looking for your first WISH post and I found it, too :-) It looks like you took the challenge on July3rd. That means you have, indeed, earned that 5 pound loss clippie!

I've been out of town, so I figured it's my fault that you didn't know to post to the challenge thread. It makes you official but you have already taken the challenge. Go grab that pretty new clippie you earned. You deserve it. Don't get too attached, though...I imagine that you will be trading up again very, very soon.

Many of your fellow WISHers follow Atkins, including me. I love this eating plan, it's the perfect plan for me. Sounds like you've had some terrific progress with it already. Good job.

Don't forget to post your progress to our weekly check-in thread. Jiminy102 posts this for us every Sunday. It's very motivating to read that thread and watch our WISH friends make progress. It's motivating for them when we offer encouragement and congratulations. It's just a wonderful thread.

You're going to love it here, I sure do :-)

<b>Scrufsmom</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you are going to be part of my support group, now.

We have many WISHers who follow the WW plan and they just love it. You have a ready source of information about the program, here. If you have any questions all you have to do is ask and you will get your answers pretty quickly.

Sorry to hear about your injury. I sure hope it's all better soon so that you can add exercise to your new healthy lifestyle and lose even more quickly.

<b>lexiluke</b> Do not allow the amount of weight you have to lose discourage you. I had at least 100 pounds to lose when I began Atkins this past January. I lost about 20 pounds in the first three weeks(Before I took the challenge). Some of your fellow WISHers had more than 125 pounds to lose when they took the challenge. I would suggest you choose a smaller goal to begin with, though. Work on this one day at a time (sometimes I have to work on it 1 minute at a time). Take it one day at a time and one pound at a time. It's not so overwhelming that way and just think how many celebrations you will enjoy everytime you reach a "minigoal".

I'm anxious to see how much you lose your first few weeks on Atkins. Let us know when you begin. Lot's of us follow Atkins, including me. I just love it.

<b>scarlett873</b> Why, fiddledeedee, sweetie ;-) I'm so glad you are here with us on WISH. Another Atkins follower too. My husband and I have taken the Atkins nutritional plan as our lifetime plan. I pray I never taste another grain of sugar because I know I will be right back needing to lose 100 pounds if I do that, I'm tired of the up and down of dieting--so I'm just not going to do that anymore.

You're going to love it here, Scarlett. Visit us often and participate alot. It is such a help to us all when everyone participates.

<b>FFerret</b> Good for you! Way to go, cutie. 10 pounds gone forever, isn't that just the greatest feeling. Where is your new clipart, though? I can't wait to trade up my clipart, you are much cooler than I.

Be sure and post to our weekly check in thread about your loss. That way everyone can help you celebrate.

<i>If you haven't added the WISH member clipart to your signature and you would like to, there is a great post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). What we do is begin with a zero loss no matter how much we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then everytime we lose 5 pounds we "trade up" to a new clipart. It's motivating and just plain fun.</i>

Well, everyone is ready to get started. Get ready for success...that is a WISH specialty. You're all going to do just great, your new WISH friends are going to help you do that, just you wait and see.

Katholyn

[lexiluke]

Thanks for the encouraging words! I have to remind myself that a year is a year no matter what you're doing. In a year, I can still be as fat or even fatter than I am now, or I can be well on my way to a healthy and much happier lifestyle.

My mini goal is to lose 30lbs by our November WDW trip. Sounds like I might can easily do this on Atkins. I'm starting the diet on July 25th!

[Auntmeme]

I've been checking out these boards for the last month as I prepare for our first family trip(son is 2) in October. The information and support is fantastic! I need WISH to help me get back in a size 10, it's been a longgggg time. I've been following Atkins for a few months, though I am a good cheater. It has been working and my clothes fit much better. But I have held on to those size 10's thinking next year and that next has turned out to be at least five. I need help finding time to exercise, I work fulltime and have a husband and a toddler. Sometimes my husband is the most work;) Well I'm glad to be able to post my progress since now I will have all of you monitoring me.

[MandaMom]

Hello all.

I would like to be a part of WISH. My husband and I are going to WDW in August. Planned a very last minute trip. But my DH and I will be trying to stick to our diet while at WDW and we are both striving to acheive our goal weight before our trip on the 3rd week of May.

BACKGROUND

Me Elaine -- AKA MandaMom

Was my heaviest at 20 (after my father's death decided to lose weight) I weighed about 315 to 320 pounds. Not sure because I stopped weighing myself for obvious reasons. But I do remember I was unable to fit in size 28 (the biggest size I could find at the time)

Lost most of this weight on my own ate a 900 calorie /lowfat diet and exercised daily. I was down 100 pounds in 7 months. I gradually got down to my goal weight of 145 pounds. I am 5' 6" but I am a big boned girl. I was this weight when I met my husband.

My DH -- Russell

When I first met him he worked out everyday. Was sculpted in every way. Trained with a bodybuilder as well as ran 13 miles 3 times a week with a girl who was training for the olympics. He was in awesome shape. Abs everything. Quite honestly a perfect physical speciman, not bulky steroid like muscles but long lean sculpted muscle.

As soon as he finished school you can guess what happened.

After the birth of our daughter Amanda we both gained more weight.

Elaine (my) goal -- would like to lose about 77 pounds to get back to my 145 pounds. Also sculpt my arms and find my waist/stomach again.

My DH Russell's goal -- would like to lose about 80 pounds, gain lean body mass, would like to be about 10% fat.

We would really like a healthier life style, both for our daugher and ourselves.

WE are trying the SOUTH BEACH DIET for the first time.
We purchased the book at Barnes and Noble yesterday it was 30% off but only came in hardback.

We have been on the Zone diet by Dr. Barry Sears before, and were very successful. We wanted to try something different.

We are also starting cardio and weightlifing at our local gym. I will be taking a pilate/yoga class twice a week as well.

We always compete to see who loses weight faster (always Russell) It is a big motivator for us. We are also very supportive. We just need to make sure we do not sabotage ourselves when we go on vacation.

This is our second day on this diet. I felt a little light headed last night. I am better today.

[kimszath]

Today was the weekly meeting--I lost 6 1/2 pounds! Sure feels great to back on Weight Watchers. Of course, the first week is a biggie, since you start drinking water like we ALL should. But it sure is a great motivator. Sign me up for the 5 pound clippie!
Thanks!
Kim

[nativetxn]

<b>Auntmeme</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH. If it's motivation and encouragement you need you have most definitely come to the right place. That's a WISH specialty, you know ;-)

I follow the Atkins plan too and so lots of other WISHers. We're thrilled to have you join us. You're going to love it here, I sure do.

<b>MandaMom</b> I'm glad you decided to join us. Will your husband be posting on WISH too or will you be doing the posting for both of you? We have a couple of husband/wife WISH teams here--it's great to see another one joining us.

I've heard good things about the South Beach diet. There are several WISHers following that plan now too, so you will have some company as you get to know the plan a little better.

You sound very determined and motivated and you have a reasonable goal set, now that you have WISH for support you are going to be very successful, I'm sure of it!

<b>kimszath</b> Way to go! That's wonderful progress. Don't you just feel proud? All of your WISH friends are sure proud <i>of</i> you. Keep this up and you will be at goal in no time at all.

Be sure and post your progress to our weekly checkin thread so that all of your WISH pals can help you celebrate your success. In the meantime, I'll send a private message to one of our tech mods and see if we can't get that new 5 pound loss clippie added to your signature.

<i>If you would like to add the WISH clipart to your signature there is an excellent post telling you how to do that right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). What we do is begin with a zero loss no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then each time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. The WISH member cliparts are exempt from the clipart guidelines so you won't have to give up any clipart you may already have in your signature. Isn't that great? Trading up to new cliparts is a lot of fun and very motivating</i>.

The best part of WISH is our support group which is made up of men and women who follow all different kinds of eating plans. We understand each other here on WISH and that is such a help. Need advice? We're here for you. Need support? We're here for you. Need a smile? We're here for that too. We're always here for you. All we ask is that you will be here for us when we need <i>your</i> help. It's a pretty neat little deal and there are no weekly dues.

Let's get going then. You are all on your way to goal now and you are going to do just great! Honest...really...I promise...we all plan to help you do great. It's practically a done deal ;-)

Katholyn

[MandaMom]

nativetxn/Katholyn

I will be posting for Russell and myself. He had already been doing a low carb diet. He lost 17 pounds. I had also been on the low carb/Zone diet and have lost 4 pounds. We are now on this South Beach diet. So far so good.

Thank you for the warm welcome.

Elaine

[Steffi]

Hi, I'm Stephanie. I'm so glad I found this board! I'd love to be a part of WISH; everyone here seems to be so supportive & encouraging. And so many people seem to be peeling off the weight - that's very motivating!

In January of 2002, I weighed in at 199 pounds, my heaviest ever. I started eating healthy meals & no snacks in addition to exercising almost every day. I lost 50 pounds by July of last year, going from a size 18 to a size 10. I managed to keep it off briefly, swearing that I'd never let my weight get so out of hand again.

Well, (insert numerous excuses here) I've gained back 30 of those pounds and I'm back up to a size 14.

My goal is to lose those 30 pounds, plus 20 more by eating wisely and exercising (cardio + muscle toning) almost every day.

So far so good today. I've exercised & eaten healthy meals. And I haven't even considered attacking the Oreos. My problem is mostly late night eating, though, so leaving the Oreos alone all day isn't as hard as leaving them alone before bedtime! But after reading everyone's success stories here, I feel extra-motivated & ready to be a loser!

[DISNEYFANRI]

Welcome Steffi, I'm new to WISH too and want to tell you that everyone here is wonderfully supportive - it's a great group.

Hugs and positive thoughts,

[nezy]

Hi all! Well I lost my first 5 lbs. and moving on to the next!!

Where do I get my five pound icon thing for the bottom of my post?

Steffi-I also have late night issues w/ the snacks. I start off the day with a great healthy breakfast and a healthy lunch. It is dinner and post dinner that I start to get into trouble. DH like the big dinner meal. so now I just make sure that I make a big delicious salad for me with every meal and it helps me to eat less of the other stuff. Sometimes I also skip the carb.

I also brush my teeth after dinner and then I drink alot of water. For some reason-in my head -I say now that my teeth are brushed I can't eat anything. I do have to go to the bathroom alot before bed, but that adds a few more steps to my day!!

I have lost over 30 so far-5 since being on the WISH boards. I have given away all of my size 14 and 16 clothes, so I CANNOT go back. I can't afford several sets of clothes!!

Good Luck everyone!

Remember: be kind to yourself.

[nativetxn]

<b>Steffi</b> Welcome to WISH! I'm so glad to see you here.

I sure know how you feel about that "yo yo" weight thing. Gain, lose, gain it back, lose it again. I can't tell you how many times I've done that but I've finally found my lifetime eating plan and determination to remain healthy. With the help of the WISH support group I am working my way to goal.

I'm really glad you will be part of my support group now. You and I can work our way to goal together. I'll help you and you can help me, we can both count on the support of our other WISH friends. WISH is just a very helpful place.

You've got a reasonable goal and a plan that works for you. I think you're going to do great and I know you're going to like it here. WISH is a friendly and helpful place. Lots of <i>losers</i> here...now you're one of us.

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[Steffi]

nativetxn, thank you so much for the warm welcome. It's so nice to know that I'm not alone!

nezy, thanks for the tips. The big salad at dinner sounds like a great plan! And congratulations on your 5 pound clippie!!!

I've put my scale in the kitchen. I figure if I lose my willpower late at night & make a mad dash to cram Oreos down my throat, the scale will be sitting there, staring me in the face and making me re-think the 'cram session'.

I'm on Day 3 & going strong. Thanks again for the great welcome and support!

[honeywolf7]

I'm here. I'm drinking a gallon of water per day, walking two miles per day, doing isometrics, and eating sensibly. My long term goal is to lose 70 pounds....my short term goal is 10 pounds by August 21st.

[A1A1]

Guess I'll admit to my failures. I have joined WW. Want to maintain a healthy lifestyle instead of having a healthy lifestyle for a while and then forgetting about it and then feeling like a failure. Viscious cycle........It's got to stop.

Don't know exactly which eating plan I am on. I lost forty pounds on Atkins-like program. Made up my own low carb. Weight just melted off. I started to eat carbs again...and everything else, and gained back twenty pounds in the past six months. What a failure!!!!!

I joined weight watchers with my friend on a whim two days ago. I am going to give it a good effort. I suppose I can use all my points on protein, right? I loved Atkins at the time. It was easier for me to just cut out a few foods altogether than to count and add and subtract, and try to remember which foods had how many points. I hope I can do this. Can't stand the feelings of self-hatred for not being able to lose weight. I really hate myself sometimes.

[Twang]

I want to play now, too! Obviously my real name is not Twang, but it IS a nickname and my closest friends call me that, so that's the name I shall use here, too. I have a feeling that this is a place where common interests could make for some close frineds. :) AnNyway, I have dieted for years with some hits and some misses. After starting up again last Oct/Nov (and really trying hard, I might add) with minimal results, I contacted my Dr. who asked me to try counting carbs instead of fats and calories. I have had much better luck with that! Anyway, in total, I had lost 29 pounds as of a few weeks ago, but then started backsliding. Through the urging of a couple of friends, I have decided to come here for support. I am now down 21 pounds and my goal at this point is somewhat uncertain--maybe another 30 or so. Good to be here!
Twang

[tinaw]

Hi, I'm Tina and I want to lose 80 lbs by July 12 of next year. It sounds like a lot but if you break it down it is 1.53 lbs a week. I didn't think that sounded too unreasonable. My short term goal is 20 lbs by Sept. 19, the day we leave for Disney.
I am doing Atkins. I have lost large amounts of weight in the past, only to regain them. 5 years ago I lost 55 lbs in 7 months on Medical Weight loss, no pills, just healhty diet. I went off my diet and got pregnant the next week. I gained 55 lbs during my pregnancy and just kept adding after.
I have gained 40 lbs in the last 3 years due to stress eating. My husband has health problems. He will be having 2 major surgeries before the end of the year. There are no surgeons in our state that perform the surgery he needs so I will be traveling with him to the Cleveland Clinic and staying in hotels ( I guess) while he is in the hospital for approx 2 weeks each time. One of the reasons I am trying to get myself on the right path now so I can keep my weight under control during his recovery.
I started Atkins 13 days ago and have lost 7.5 lbs. I'm already ahead of schedule for my 1.53 lbs a week:Pinkbounc

By the way, can I have my 5 pound clippie? I signed up for my clippie when I started but didn't realize I was supposed to sign up here too.

[Peg]

Hi
Count me in! I need to lose about 5o pounds and have finally decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers 4 weeks ago and have lost 8 pounds. My goal is 2 pounds a week (which I find very doable, any more than that and I feel defeated before I begin) My first goal is 10 lbs, that should be 1 dress size. From there I'm counting on you guys to help me along.
Here's hoping for the best :p
Peg

[Gillian]

Me too! Me too! I want to lose weight like all the WISHers. :Pinkbounc

I am going to do Atkins with some extra carbs since I'm nursing my newborn baby girl (5 1/2 weeks). Long term goal is 50 pounds and short term is not to gain! I lost 25 after having the baby and now have stalled. It's time to get rid of the sugar & start eating better. :)

I love how supportive everyone is here & I can't wait to be the one saying if I did it, so can you! :)

[*Flower*]

Can I join too???

I'm tired of feeling like a (insert blecchy name here).
I have clothes in my closet that I could wear before I switched jobs 4 years ago. Of course it was more physical than the desk job that I have now........

I'm going to try doing Atkins, and DH is thinking about doing it too.

Do I have permission to add the clippie to my signature??? :confused:

[mom2smjn]

Okay everyone...My name is Kelly and I would love to join your WISH challenge!
I am going on a reduced carb way of eating, but I think I may have to come up with the specifics myself. I do have medical issues that severly hinder weightloss BUT on the bright side my new doctor thinks new meds and a diet that restricts simple refined carbs may help...he also wants me to eat plenty of FRESh fruit and veggies.

I am currently reading up on several diets out there that may help me....but I believe it will come down to seeing what works.

I look forward to being a part of this group!

[nativetxn]

Look at all of my new friends! This is so exciting, I'm so happy to see new members joining my support group. I need all the support I can get, you know :teeth:

<b>honeywolf7</b> Welcome to WISH. You have set a very reasonable goal to lose 10 pounds by August 21st. I'll bet you make it to goal, we all plan to help you do that.

How great that you are able to eat sensibly. If I could do that I wouldn't have had 100 pounds to lose last January. Good for you!

<b>A1A1</b> It's great to see you here on WISH. We need to have a little talk, though:

What a failure!!!!!

Stop that! You are <i>not</i> a failure. You just weren't motivated before. You're motivated now, I can tell. I think a lot of your fellow WISHers have gone up and down with their weight. I know that <i>I</i> have done that most of my life. So right off the bat, start thinking like a <i>loser</i> and you will be successful. Be positive, it is such a help, it truly is...I am probably <i>too</i> positive but it works better for me to be that way.

We all hate ourselves sometimes. When I feel that way I come here to WISH and I offer encouragement to others. You know what? It is such a help for me to do that, I help <i>myself</i> and I help my WISH friends too. At least, I <i>hope</i> I help my friends. Don't hate yourself. Look what you have done--you have taken <b>control</b>. You are in control now and you're going to do great.

We have lots of WISHers who follow the WW plan. If you have any questions about the program all you need to do is ask and you will receive many speedy replies.

You're going to do great with this, A1A1, you just wait and see. You have the entire WISH support group just sitting here in case you need our help. We're always here for you.

<b>Twang</b> Welcome to the DIS and a special welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you decided to take the challenge. You have done very well without WISH, so far, I'll bet you do even better now that you will be surrounded by friends who are facing the same challenges as you. It sure has been helpful to me.

I will just list your eating plan as "Controlled Carbohydrate" since you aren't following the Atkins plan. You're going to do just great, I'm sure of it. Never hesitate to call on your new friends for advice, help or support--we'll be right here for you.

<b>tinaw</b> Thanks for posting here, I would hate to leave you off the roster. You are already a success, aren't you?

I'll see if I can't get some help for you with that 5 pound loss clippie. You've earned it. You are doing very well with Atkins. I love that way of eating.

<b>Peg</b> Welcome to WISH, I'm glad you decided to join us. You have lots of fellow WISHers following the WW plan. If you have questions about the program don't hesitate to ask.

You have a reasonable goal, an excellent eating plan and you have WISH. Looks like you are already to succeed. You're going to do great, just wait and see.

<b>Gillian</b> A new baby! I love babies. Will you share? I can't seem to get any grandchildren of my own ;-)

Good for you, taking control and getting your weight back where it belongs so soon after having a baby. I really admire your determination.

I would be willing to bet that if you just cut out the refined carbohydrates, not the good complex carbohydrates, while you are nursing, that you start losing pretty quickly. You're going to do just great, sweetie. Honest.

We have lots of Atkins WISHers, if you have any questions or need a recipe all you have to do is ask and you will receive all the help with the program that you need.

<b>*Flower*</b> It's great to see you here on WISH.

I hope Atkins works as well for you as it works for my dh and me. Excellent health improvements with a nice side effect of weight loss. I love this plan and we have both taken it for life. We are planning to never eat refined carbohydrates again.

Of course, you may add the member clipart to your signature. You're a WISHer now. If you need help, let me know.

<b>mom2smjn</b> Thanks for posting here too. I make up the member roster using this post and I would hate to miss anyone.

I sure hope the new meds work for you. I'll put your plan as controlled carbohydrate, will that work?

I'm really glad you are going to be part of my support group now. You're going to love it here, no one is judgemental. Everyone here is very caring and helpful. I love WISH a lot.

<i>I'm very glad you all decided to take the challenge. You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you choose. What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating. There is a great post telling you how to add the clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403).</i>

I hope that everyone is ready to <b>succeed</b> because you are all WISHers now and that's what we do here, we <b><i>succeed</i></b>!

Onward and downward, my friends!

Katholyn

[Disneymoon04]

and added the clipart. I hope staring at it everyday will give me a boost of will power... and hopefully you folks will give me a solid kick in the rear sometimes - goodness knows I need the accountability or I won't keep it up.

I have a post below this... I'm doing round 2 of atkins hoping to take off what i put on when going off and them some.

Hello everyone!

[ebaynut31]

I'd like to start on the WISH board also. Me and some girls from work are just weighing in on Wednesday mornings. I am not doing anything special for a diet. Just watching what I eat, walking and bike riding a lot, and trying really hard to drink more water.

As of last Wednesday July 16, 2003 I weighed in at 168. I think my goal weight will be 135 but I may change that to 130 depending on how things go. It may not seem like a lot to lose but I am only 4'11" tall. Every pound shows.

Thanks.

[KeyKey]

Hi I am Kim and I am on atkins. I am on my second week of induction and have lost 5 lbs. I have 25 more lbs to go. Thanks to my sister I am now a wisher. I am very excited.

Kim

[CathyCanada]

Welcome to Karen & Kim, we're glad to have you with us!!
There's lots of support and great people here!!
Welcome!!!!!!
Cathy

[Disney_1derland]

I just found the boards about 3 weeks ago and kept seeing the clipart on so many sig lines that I couldn't help but find out where they were coming from.

My name is Lori and I have two small children and I feel like their lives are passing me by while I watch rather than participate. 1 week ago we went to take a family picture and it was a disaster. I didn't realize how bad I looked to myself. We didn't even buy any of the pictures. Yuck! So, beginning NOW I am going back to the only weight loss method that has ever worked for me which is T-Factor. The basis is counting fat grams rather than calories and it really worked for me in the past. I have also joined our local Y so that I can start swimming and playing tennis again. I took 3 years off of watching my weight to have kids and be lazy and now it's time to jump back in. You all seem like a great support group and I'm very happy to have found you.

I have a long way to go to ideal weight (my ideal, not the medical communities ideal!) somewhere around 70 pounds I think (have not weighed recently).

Hoping to reach at least 1/2 way to goal by our next WDW vacation in 3/04,
Lori

[nativetxn]

<b>Disneymoon04</b> It's just great to see you here, sweetie. Your new WISH family is better at {{{HUGS}}} than kicks but we can put on our boots when we need to ;)

Lots of WISHers follow the Atkins plan, including me. You have lots of program buddies just waiting to help you along on the path to goal. You're going to do just great, I'm sure of it.

<b>ebaynut31</b> Welcome to WISH, I'm so glad you found us. I'll just list your plan as "eating sensibly" if that's alright. We have several WISHers who are eating sensibly (meaning not following a formal plan) and you will have lots of advice and info available if you need it. All you will need to do is ask and you will receive speedy replies.

You sound very determined and motivated. You have a reasonable goal and you are on your way. I you're going to like it here. WISH is a very helpful and <b>magical</b> place.

<b>KeyKey</b> Welcome to the DIS and WISH. You are Tracy's sister? She's a fun sister, isn't she? Is she a little bossy sometimes? That's what I thought ;)

I am just tickled that she convinced you to join us. We are a friendly bunch and our support group is just the best help. I hope you can visit often. It is very motivational to participate on WISH. You help yourself and you help us, too.

I'm following the Atkins plan too and it has been a great plan for me. I'm sure you will see success with it too.

<b>Disney_1derland</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH! I'm glad you found us and just tickled that you are taking the challenge.

I've never heard of the T-plan. I know we have several WISHers following a low fat eating program, though, so you have a ready made information support group waiting to help you along.

I had over 100 pounds to lose when I took the challenge and now I have 60 something left. Some of us had even more than 100 to lose when we began, so don't think that your goal weight is unattainable. You're going to get there, I'm sure of it, we all plan to help you.

<i>Welcome to my support group. I'm so pleased to see all of you here. You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you want. What we do is start with a zero loss, regardless of how much we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then everytime we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's a lot of fun and very motivational. There is a post telling you how to add the member clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)</i>

The very best part of WISH is our support group which is made up of men and women following every kind of eating plan and who face the same difficulties and challenges that <i>you</i> face. They are always here to help you along and all they ask in return is that you help <i>them</i> if they ask. A pretty good deal, huh?

Let's get started, then. We're on the way to goal and we will help each other along the way. Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[Poly Pal]

O.K., sign me up! Although I lost 48 lbs before discovering the WISH Challenge, I still have 10 lbs to go and need all the help I can get!

I keep calories to about 1800 a day and am following the principles of the Zone, South Beach and WW (from 20 years ago!).

I eat 5 to 6 times a day - not meals, unless you count a Zone Perfect bar, or a cup of yogurt or a Skinny Cow a "meal". I try to eat every 3 hours or so. I eat fish at least 6 times a week, eat more vegetables than fruit and try to get some protein every time I eat. I also drink at least a gallon of water a day starting from he time I wake up.

I work out twice a day, 6 days a week, starting first thing in the morning (5:15 a.m.) with 20 minutes of free weights and 35 minutes of aerobic bench stepping. Then when I get home from work, I do another 20 minutes of bench stepping and 15 minutes of calistenics (abs crunches, leg raises, push-ups, knee-ins, etc.)

Thanks for letting me join!

[CathyCanada]

Poly Pal, welcome and congratulations on the 48 lbs you have lost, that is awesome!!

Your workout regimen is inspiring! You will be a wonderful support to others here, just as everyone here is ready, willing and able to help you out in any way we can!

Welcome and glad you decided to join our group of "losers"!! :)
Cathy

[nativetxn]

Hi <b>Poly Pal</b> and welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you decided to join us here.

You have had some wonderful success. Losing 48 pounds is a wonderful accomplishment but that last 10 pounds is tough, isn't it? You will find terrific support here. We'll help you do it.

You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you want. We all begin with a <b>zero</b> loss no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge. Then each time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's fun and motivating. When you reach your final goal you get a pretty red "GOAL" clipart, like the one in CathyCanada's signature. You will be adding that goal clipart to your signature soon, I'm sure.

There is an excellent post telling you how to add the clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403). If you need help just send a private message to glo, Kelsie or me <i>or</i> post on the technical support board and someone will help you out.

I think you're going to like it here. The WISH support group is the best bunch of <i>losers</i> you could ever hope to meet. Lots of help and excellent advice is available so if you need us, we're here for you.

You're going to do great, you know, all of your new WISH friends are going to help you lose those last ten pounds. Visit us often, okay?

Katholyn

[cabmom]

Here I go, I'm taking the challenge. We leave for Disney in 10 weeks. I'd love to lose 30 lbs by then. I have 3 boys under 7 and as someone else said here I watch rather than participate. I'm doing the WW program and exercising. I'll be 35 this month and we are talking about having a 4th child, so I'd like to get the weight off before trying for another! I lost 8lbs in Jan/Feb and put it back on plus a few!

Good luck to everyone!::)

[nativetxn]

Welcome to WISH <b>cabmom</b>, I'm very glad you decided to join us.

There are many WISHers who follow the WW plan and have had terrific success, I'm sure that you will as well.

I understand you would rather just watch but I think if you try participating occasionally you will find that it is motivating. Even if you only post "good job" or I'm sorry. You don't <i>have</i> to talk as much as I do ;)

I'm so glad you are going to be part of my support group now. The support group is the best part of WISH. Everyone is so kind and caring. They will help you along the path to goal. WISH has helped me a lot.

You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you want. What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge and then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's lots of fun and quite motivating.

There is an excellent post by our own Wovenwonder telling you how to add the member clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403).

You're going to do just great, just wait and see, all of your new friends plan to help you.

Katholyn

[TerriP]

Ok...I'm ready to join. I've added my clippie to my signature and everything! ;)

I've changed my eating habits to reflect a low carb way of life (I just refuse to say "Diet"...sorry). I don't know what I weigh or how much I need to lose, but I'd like to drop at least two sizes. I'll try to go home tonight and weigh myself (I said "try" because you all know how HARD that is to do!) so at least I can let you know if/when I've had a loss...even if I don't tell you what my exact weight is. :p Is that close enough???

I look forward to learning more about each WISH Member and helping out in any way I can. ;)

[2bemarried]

Hi, I'm Kristy...and I seriously need to get some of this fat off of me! I'm closing in on 250 and that's really scary. To think that 180 was so bad when I was in high school and now look at me. My husband and I went to WDW for our honeymoon and I can't tell ya the number of times I had to stop b/c my ankles were killing me. It's from all the extra weight bearing down on me.

So sign me up!!!! I'm not a "plan".....just trying to watch what I eat, how much I eat, need to exercise and drink water instead of soda's or sweet tea!

P.S. My goal is to be back at 160 or lower...just to fit into a size 16 again would be wonderful.

[sjm6]

Walt said" it all started with a mouse".. and my involvement with DISboards all stareted with ?? about my upcoiming cruise. today is my birthday and thanks to the many well wishers.. I am 58!! feeling great.. I came to this site because a well wisher had information about the Weight challenge. I am back at WW.. it is slow but steady.. I have lost about 9 lbs since may.. maybe more when I go this week. I have done this before and before and before as well as most of the other programs ( aftera ll I am 58).. and I have decided if it takes me a year I want to lose 30 lbs. the first challenge will lbe the 10%.. At my age excercise is very important and although I play tennis every day in the sweltering heat of Florida, I know that that does not doi enough.. so I go to the Y too. Of course I wanted to get a jump start before the Disney 7 day cruise Sat. I have researched ( thanks to this site) the menus so I hve beguen to play how to blance my plans. I am not going to just stick to the "restricted" food. but will try to have the good sugar free dessert and futi.. salads.. fish.. We do not drink so that is a blessing. I also play to use the spa and the work out rooms.. I am not big on the excursions so I may take advantage to the "empty" ship to swim and work out.

I am off to the gym to burn some calories before celebrating my BD tonight.
All help and ewncouragement welcome..
susie:Pinkbounc :smooth: :earsgirl:

[nativetxn]

<b>TerriP</b> WOO HOO!!! I'm so glad to see you taking the challenge, Terri. I'll change your plan to "controlled carbohydrate" instead of Atkins.

That clipart looks great on you, my friend. I'm so glad you will be an "official" member of my support group now :)

<b>2bemarried</b> It's great to see you here. I'll just list your plan as eating sensibly. I wish I was good at that but I'm not :( We have lots of WISHers who are losing weight by eating sensibly so you have plenty of people to share advice and information with.

I've found WISH to be very helpful to my efforts to lose weight, I'll bet you find it helpful too. You sound very determined and motivated, I'll bet you do great.

<b>sjm6</b> Welcome to the DIS and a very special welcome to WISH, I'm so glad you decided to join us.

<b>HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!</b>. Enjoy your celebration. You have a cruise starting <i>this</i> Saturday? How exciting, I loved my cruise so much.

We have a lot of WISHers following the WW plan so if you have any questions all you have to do is ask, I know they would appreciate your advice too.

I will be 54 on my next birthday, so I don't think you are all that old ;) I think you are going to do a great job with this. All of your new WISH friends are going to help you reach your goal, just wait and see.

<i>You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you want. What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge and then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's lots of fun and quite motivating.

There is an excellent post by our own Wovenwonder telling you how to add the member clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)</i>.

Well, you have everything you need now to succeed. You have your determination, motivation, your plan and you have WISH. The WISH support group is always here for you, always ready to help. All they ask in return is that you be ready to help <i>them</i> if <i>they</i> ask. It's a pretty good deal, I think.

Get ready to succeed because you are on your way to goal and you are going to make lots of friends along the way.

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Aloha! I'd like to join!

I am doing Atkins (lost 15 since late Jan but seem to be slowing down). Would like to lose 15-20 more.

Have tried EVERYTHING! Only Atkins ever worked this well.

Have not excercised in a LONNGGG time! When I do, it is usually walking indoors to tapes. Need some help there! Can't seem to tear myself away from the DIS boards anymore!!! ;)

Thanks! Katholyn pointed me to the clipart next! Wish me luck!:)

Mahalo! :wave:

~aloharose~

[mbb]

This makes it official...I'm ready!! Thank you - and I'll go get a "clippie" next...love the WISH already:D Mary Beth

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am sorry that I have not been around much. Have been reading the posts and enjoying the successes and hoping for better for the people who are struggling. Have been doing a lot of that myself. The first 80 pounds came off fairly easy and steady but since Christmas I have not lost much and have been struggling to maintain the pounds already lost.

One of the other forums I am on had several people who went on the South Beach Diet. I resisted it for a long time but after seeing their losses being posted I caved in. I am only on the 4th day so far and am happy to report it seems to be working for me. Is basically just meat and veggies for the first two weeks. I have lost about 3 pounds so far and am not hungry at all. Have been keeping track of points also since I am so used to doing so and am amazed to see that the points are just about the same as what I was eating before on the WW. Protein seems to be the key as it is more filling and satisfying and I am not hungry so often.

Just wanted to stop by and report in case what I am experiencing might help someone else. Today is my birthday and I am going out to eat today and tomorrow and without the fear I used to have. Am a bit afraid of what might happen when I start adding carbs and fruits again but am also looking forward to the tastes.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[Jailen's Gma]

Hi, my name is Mary.
I will be starting the Atkins Diet on Sunday.
I will be going to the "Y" 2 - 3 times a week, when my work allows it.
My goal is to lose 50 lbs by this time next year.

Good luck to all.

Mary

[DMickey28]

I posted last night that I was thinking I really need to do this. I can totally see how this board is a life saver for staying on an exercise program.

I am going to join a local gym and build a workout program with them to work out 4 days a week. I think that my eating habits are ok, I could cut out some of the carbs so I am going to drop down to eating 60 grams of carbs a day. I don't feel that the Atkin's Diet is right for me, but I do need to cut back on the bread and rice at night especially.

I am not shy about sharing my weight, I think the more that you know the less likely I would be to "bluff" it. I am currently 5'6" (like that will change soon!!!) and I weigh a solid 161lbs. I would like to lose 15lbs and see how I feel at that time. I know it is not crazy or anything and I don't really even car about the number. I care about the size clothing I wear and how that clothing hangs on my body. Most of all I care about how I feel. After being in the restaurant business for a few years, on my feet 10 hours a day I have a new desk job. IT's been 3 months now and I can tell that slowly those pounds I was able to keep off by the "hazards of the job" in the restaurant are coming back. My family history points me towards the path of becoming unhealthy. I am only 25 (on Monday 7/28!!!) and if I start now then I will build habits and a healthy feeling for life. I don't want to be tired at 6pm and drive my SO even more crazy when I am asleep everynight at 8 after getting at least 8+ hours of sleep anyway.

I am excited to be here and I look forward to it. I will apologize if in the begining I take more than I give. I am going to try to be as supportive to everyone as you have shown me, but I know in the begining it is going to be tough...

Thank you!!! I am sorry this is so long.

PS I decided to join the club when they broke the cost down to be cheaper per day than a $1.50 cup of coffe.... yikes...
:Pinkbounc

[mmgrdg]

Hi! Is there room for one more newbie here?? :D

Just back from a trip to Disney last week, and man, I am going to look better in pictures next time I go!!! (ok, ok, I know...I'm losing weight for more reasons than just pictures, but that was a bit of a wake-up call!) I lost 70 lbs after my 2nd child, and have gained about 15 back.:( It's time...and I'm ready!
I did WW before and WATP and that seemed to work, so hopefully I'll be back to doing the tapes 5 times a week.
Good luck to everyone and I'm looking forward to this new group!

[Jon99]

Makes the two newbies.... I have already lost about 20 pounds, looking to lose 30 more by April 2004 so I can hit WDW at 190 LBS..... So far my diet has included Slim Fast, cutback on Pepsi and 45 minutes on the treadmill 5-6 mornings a week....

[sydally9367]

Hi WISH'ers!!! Making it official by posting here :D
I start the Atkins diet on Sunday :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: I've already started cutting back my carbs and caffeine this week and taken in ALOT more water than I am used to, lol.

My goal is to lose 49 lbs hopefully by December, but if not, then NO LATER than next April :p My goal weight is 125, I currently weight 174.

I've also started power walking in the evenings and taking a light cardio kickboxing class on Saturday afternoons.

[Jakesmom1]

I just started ATKINS this week, Not to bad, much better for me personally then WW.

I dont find I am as hungry as I normally was.

Alot of my coworkers have been on it for a while, one friend lost over 20 ilbs in a little over 3 weeks, My DH has lost over 13 in just two.

I have a health problem or two that I thought would be a problem for me to do ATKINS but I called my doc and said ok, so here I go.

Hopefully I wont be so camera shy when I get to WDW in Sept.


Thanks for this great thread!


:bounce: :smooth: :Pinkbounc

[MickeyMagic]

I am ready!! I think I signed up before, but never started. :rolleyes: I will be doing Atkins. I am booked on 7-day Magic cruise for 3-20-04 and would like to be able to look at the pictures without wincing! :p

I bought a scale yesterday and got on it (eeek!), I have my ketostix, and I went and re-joined Curves. I just need my WISH clipart and I'm set to go! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Update: Got my clippie - guess there's nothing stopping me now!!! :tongue: :teeth:

[Lanshark]

I'm checkin in. I probably won't be starting for a few weeks but DH and I will be trying Atkins.

Thanks for all the info, encouragement and the warm welcome

[forest]

Ok, ok, ok - I would like to join, too. I will be doing the "Atkins" thing. I did it for two weeks in June and lost 10 lbs. With vacation and graduate school full time 8 - 5 for two weeks, I couldn't do stick Atkins. So on Sunday, july 25 I will start back full time! I also go to Curves 3 - 4 times a week. I have about 75 pounds I want to lose by next summer! 25 lbs. for each of my children and never got off! I stumbled on this thread when cruising my favorite sits WDWINFO! Glad to have found friends to support me on this journey. How can I get some fancy clip art? This is new to me. Thanks for letting me join!!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[dzneprincess]

HI all! I want to join the WISHers. Right now, I am just incorporating movement into my life, and have taken away everything to drink except water. I would love a DIS WISH clippie :-) I just made this decision on monday, and I have stuck to it! I purchased the WATP DVDS from Amazon, and have started those as well :-) I have not made a decision about what type diet I am going to do. I want to see how the exercise and water works for awhile, on it's own :-)

[CindyCan]

Hi there,
It's time for me, too. I'm hoping that I can get some motivation here that I've been lacking so far. I was on WW last year, and lost 35 lbs, and I'm sad to say I've gained most of it back in the past 8 months. WW did work for me, so I'm going to try that. I also love water, but haven't been as faithful as I should with drinking it. I've started a simple stretching routine in the morning for now, with the intention of working up (hah!) to a work out. I really want to lose 100 lbs, but would be satisified with 70 lbs in the shorter-term. 20 lbs in the short-term will be great, too!
Thanks to all for the inspiration...going back to Orlando late Dec, so I need to get serious now!
Cindy
(I'll get my clippie tomorrow!)

[pammypooh]

I would like to begin WISH. I am inspired by my DH who has lost 44 pounds on Atkins in the last five months. I will go for a diet I was on when I was pregnant with gestational diabetes. My goal is to lose 30 pounds. I will do exercise with free weights and walking. Please wish me luck! Thank you to all for the good tips throughout this board!

Pammypooh

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Aloha!:)

And show that amazing DH of yours the recipe for Mock Danish (see lo-carb recipe thread). I think he'll love it...My DH does and he is the junkfood king! Didn't even notice he was missing all those carbs !!!!;)


~aloharose~ :wave:

[nativetxn]

YIKES! Look at all of my new friends who have taken the challenge and I haven't even welcomed them yet. I just hate when real life gets in the way of my WISH support group ;)

<b>Mai Ku Tiki</b> Thanks for posting here too. Now you are all official. The member clipart looks great on you.

Lots of Atkins members are WISHers, I'll bet we can help you figure out a way to speed up your weight loss a little bit if you want :)

<b>mbb</b> I'm glad you posted here, too. I make up the member roster using this thread. Now I won't leave you out, I hate when that happens.

I see you have your member clipart. Very flattering! Will you be following any particular eating plan or will you be "eating sensibly"? Let me know, okay?

<b>SlightlyGoofy</b> I love it when you drop by WISH, Linda. You always have great advice and info to share.

I'm glad the South Beach plan is working out for you. Getting rid of refined carbohydrates really gets the weight off, huh?

Stop by every chance you get, sweetie. I love seeing you here on WISH.

<b>Jailen's Gma</b> Welcome to WISH. I'm so glad you have decided to join us. I love seeing the member clipart in your signature.

Well, today is the day, huh? How is it going so far? I also follow the Atkins nutritional plan and I remember I was pretty hungry the first couple of days so I just ate everything Dr. Atkins said I could eat :teeth: Once you get into ketosis you won't feel hungry anymore.

I'm tickled that you are going to be part of my support group now. WISH has been a terrific help and motivation to me. I'll bet you find it to be helpful too. Participate every chance you get, it is so motivating for us all when you participate.

<b>DMickey28</b> Thank you for posting here too, now you are all official. I'm so glad you are taking the challenge.

I'll just list your plan as "controlled carbohydrate". You sound like you are all set and very determined. You're going to do just great. I think you're going to like it here.

<b>mmgrdg</b> I'm so glad to see you here. Welcome to WISH! It was my own photos taken last December at WDW that convinced me that I had to take back control of my eating. I know just how you feel.

There are lots of WISHers following the WW plan you already have a group in place ready to share information, advice and recipes. If you need any help with the program all you have to do is ask, you will receive many speedy replies.

<b>Jon99</b> WOO HOO, Jon!!!! I'm so glad you decided to take the challenge. We need more guys around the place.

You sound like you've got your plan and workout covered, all that is missing is a support group and you've got that now, too.

Thanks for posting here, too. You're going to like it here, I know I sure do.

<b>sydally9367</b> I'm so glad to see you here, sweetie and I'm just thrilled that you are going to be part of my support group now.

I follow the Atkins plan, too. I've taken it as my lifetime plan, it just happens to be right for me. Lot's of WISHers control their carbohydrate intake so if you have any questions about the plan or need any help at all, all you have to do is ask. You will get your answers quickly.

So you started Atkins today? How is it going? If you get hungry--eat, your appetite will fade when you get into ketosis. Honest.

You sound motivated and ready to go. I'm so glad you are going to be working your way to goal with the rest of us now. You are going to do great--I'm positive about that, everyone of your new WISH friends will be helping you do that.

<b>Jakesmom1</b> I was thinking I knew you already and I do. You were able to reserve the Breathless for an Illuminations Cruise in October, weren't you? How neat, we've already met! I'm so glad to see you here.

My husband and I both follow the Atkins plan and he has seen many health improvements since he gave up refined carbohydrates. His diabetes is under control, finally, that is a blessing.

I'm glad you checked with your doctor before starting the Atkins plan. Now you can get healthier and not have to worry. You're going to be so successful, just wait and see.

<b>MickeyMagic</b> I'm glad to see you are ready to take the challenge, welcome to WISH! We have many WISHers who also follow the Atkins nutritional plan, some have already reached goal. You're going to reach your goal, too, I'm sure. You sound very motivated and determined, now that you have your WISH support group too, you are on your way to goal.

<b>Lanshark</b> Okay, cutie a few weeks, then. But don't forget about us, you have lots of friends waiting here, to help you along to goal.

<b>forest</b> Welcome to WISH. I can get you some help adding that clipart if you would like.

Another Atkins follower, I'm glad you are going to be part of my support group now. You're going to do great. I've taken Atkins as my lifetime plan and for some reason it seems to be the easiest plan for me to follow. Probably because it's the perfect plan for <i>me</i>. I hope it's the perfect plan for you too.

We have a lot of fun here and I hope you can visit us often.

<b>dzneprincess</b> I'll just list your plan as exercising more. If you decide to follow something more structured just let me know and I can change it.

I'm just tickled to see you here on WISH. You are the perfect addition to my support group, you can push me to exercise more, I am so bad when it comes to exercising. You sound very determined, I'll bet you are very successful, too!

<b>CindyCan</b> Welcome to WISH! It's great to see you here. I had 100 pounds to lose when I started following the Atkins plan in January. When I took the WISH challenge I had about 80 still left to lose. Many WISHers started off wanting to lose 100 pounds some of us wanted to lose more. You are in good company :) I think you are very wise to break your goal into smaller amounts it's easier to stay motivated and determined when the total amount of weight you want to lose doesn't seem overwhelming.

I'll list your plan as WW and you will be glad to know that we have some real WW experts here who are always ready to help a fellow WWer. You're all set and ready to head toward goal.

<b>pammypooh</b> I'm so glad you decided to take the challenge. My husband controls his diabetes by eliminating refined carbohydrates from his diet. I imagine the plan you follow is going to help you shed that extra weight too.

Are you excited and ready to take control? I'm glad you will be part of my support group now. Try to visit often, okay?

<i>
You may add the WISH member clipart to your signature if you want. What we do is begin with a <b>zero loss</b> no matter how much weight we may have lost before taking the challenge and then every time we lose 5 pounds we get to "trade up" to a new clipart. It's lots of fun and quite motivating.

There is an excellent post by our own Wovenwonder telling you how to add the member clipart to your signature right <b>HERE</b> (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=326403)</i>

The best part of WISH is our support group which is made up of men and women following just about every eating plan ever conceived. They are caring, thoughtful and helpful people and they have helped me be successful. Whether you need information, advice, comfort or just a smile they are here for you, always. All they ask in return is that you be here for <i>them</i> if they need help. So visit WISH as often as you can and participate as much as you can. It will help you and it will help your fellow WISHers if you participate often. No lurking allowed....I'm pretty sure that's in the WISH bylaws ;)

Katholyn

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Aloha!:)

I just ate an old-fashioned refined white flour hoagie roll slathered in butter...not sure why...I just start feeling ucky every few weeks :( like nothing will satisfy me except something BAD!

Then, I have that old bloated overfed feeling and that feels BETTER???:confused:

I can be back on program tomorrow...no problem. But don't know why this happens...and I joined the LABOR DAY Challenge, too!
:(

HEELLPPPP!

~aloharose~ :wave:

[nativetxn]

Okay, sweetie. It's over and done. You can't go back in time and "undo" it so don't beat yourself up about it, it is a waste of your valuable life to do that.

You are back on track now, right? Tomorrow will be better, you will be 100% back on plan.

Onward and downward!

Katholyn

[scarlett873]

i've lost my first 7 pounds!!!

off to get my new clippie!!

[nativetxn]

That is <i>wonderful</i> Scarlett. Don't forget to post to the weekly check in thread. That way all of your fellow WISHers can celebrate with you.

Katholyn

[forest]

Katholyn
Thanks for your response, support and help! I am so very glad I found this link! I hope I just added my first clippie, I will find out now!! So far so good - 2 whole days on Atkins. Passed on pizza and other favorits carb treats I love - hopefully the hunger pains fade away when ketosis kicks in!!
Maureen

[msteddom]

Katholyn, you asked someone elso to post here and officially sign up. I don't think I've done that, so I'm taking care of it now. Thanks for all of you kind words and support!!!

Melissa

[nativetxn]

<b>msteddom</b> I'm very glad you posted here too. Now you are all official and I'm going to add you to the roster :)

Katholyn

[SillyOldBear66]

I've been lurking for awhile and posting a bit.....and now I'd like to join WISH.

At this point I'm trying to walk each day.
Only 2 days in a row so far.
And working on eating in a healthy way...in response to physical hunger and not emotional need. (This is NOT my best thing ...but I'm working on it)

-Tabitha
aka SillyOldBear66

[lulu71]

I'd like to officially join WISH! I am on the Atkins diet (have been for a while) and am a slow loser, so I'm looking for any help I can get! This is great that you are organizing this, Katholyn! Thanks!!

[Tinkbell]

Hi! I've been watching you all from afar since you started the WISH board. I didn't want to post here until I knew I was ready to start. Well, I'm ready now. I started WW yesterday. I have some co-workers who were very successful with the program and have kept the weight off for a few years now. WW is really making me think about food choices. I also am getting back into an exercise routine. Anyways, you guys are great and very inspiring. Keep up the great work, everyone.:D :bounce:

[bigsis1970]

Hi - I am Michelle and doing the 6 week body make over program .. I started the program last Monday 7/21/03 and at my weigh in yesterday I had lost 9 pounds.. I have a goal of 60 pounds to loose by my next trip Oct 2004 .. I hope to be around to help support and get some on those rough just want to eat all the carbs I can days.. Michelle

[CathyCanada]

Welcome to Tabitha, lulu71, Tinkbell and Michelle! We're glad that you took the plunge and decided to join us!! :)

It took me a while to do it too, but once I did it, I was glad I did!

Good to have you with us!!!
Cathy

[Dreamer04]

Hi all.. I've been reading the posts and you guys really pump me up! I would like to lose 50 lbs by my next Wonder cruise in Jan '04. The Atkins plan doesn't really interest me, nor does Weight Watchers. I am thinking about the South Beach plan. It is hard and I feel alone. I am glad I found this board! Any tips or guidance is fully needed and appreciated!!

[DISNEYFANRI]

Hi reamer - I'm a new WISHer msself and wanted to let you know that the support you get here is phenomenal!! Take your time and pick the plan that is right for you.

Welcome and best of luck.....

[Mommy Poppins]

I thought I had posted to this thread a while back, but I just went thru the whole thread--and apparently I didn't!! <smacking self on forehead>!!

Anyway, I started Atkins on Sunday 7/27. I have a lot of weight to lose, and am hoping that Atkins works as well for me as it has for a lot of you! Still learning what I can and can't eat and trying to remember what has carbs and how many. Hopefully it will all sink in soon. Yesterday (Day 3) was a pretty yucky day--I felt awful. Today seems to be a little better.

Thanks for all the encouragement. This thread is fantastic!!

[forest]

Mommy Poppins - I started (restarted actually after vacation, etc) Atkins 7/27 also and 4 times a week workout! Yesterday was my worst day today better in a few more days your hunger will reduce and you'll feel better. I , too, think this board is a great inspiration!! Good luck and keep posting!! I will be here when I can to help support you!!
Maureen:bounce:

[Dreamer04]

Thanks, Paula I am starting out by cutting out the "junk" ie..cakes, candy, and ice cream. Also, I am adding green salads and veggies (I usually only eat corn). And I am walking to the store instead of driving.

[curlyq]

First time poster and I've been reading all of these wonderful and supportive posts. I would like to become a WISH member too. I've been on Atkins for about 6 weeks and have lost 17 lbs so far. It's great to see how many others are trying it too. This is one diet that I am able to stick with. I work out with weights every other day(usually) with my husband and try to go for long walks with the family. I tell them we are practicing for our Disney trip in October, the Magic eastern cruise 10/18 and then a week in Magic Kingdom, but the real reason is that it's just not that much fun walking alone. I'd like to lose about 60 more pounds but would be very happy with 30 more by our trip. Has anybody stayed faithful with Atkins, blown it for their trip, and been able to get back on?

[Jakesmom1]

Ok, I have been on Atkins now for about 12 days and I have lost 8 lbs. Im Kind of sad because many people at work are on it and have lost a lot more quicker then I seem to be. I am being very faithful to it, Im not cheating and Im still not losing like they are.

Im not giving up though, I plan to keep on going, I really wanted to lose about 20 lbs by WDW but now I think I will be lucky if I lose 15.

Would love to walk at night, but really too hot, come to think of it would be like practice for Disney!

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Aloha! :D

I've lost 15 lbs and it took me 5 MONTHS! Atkins website says slower loss is better and everyone is different. AND...inches are just as important as pounds (you may be losing inches. Are you measuring?)

Anyway, I think you are doing really well and if I haven't gotten discouraged yet, you can't either ;)

Have fun looking forward to a great trip! Wish I was just going instead of just getting back:(

~aloharose~ :wave:

[Peg]

I'm at 10 lbs!!! My first goal...On to the next..It has helped me to read how everyone else is doing, and how they are doing it! I know I don't post often but I'm really glad you guys are here!

Thanks
Peg:bounce:

[plutosmyfav]

I am so excited to find this forum! I am planning a trip to WDW in Dec. I'm upset with myself that I am 30 lb heavier than I was for my trip last Dec. I went through some major life changes this year, including divorce.

I'm doing Atkins and want to lose the 30 by my Dec trip. I have a total of 80 to lose (sigh).

[Duggas]

Hi, this is my first ever post but I've been reading the boards for a few weeks now and I've been so impressed with the WISH boards and the support that people give everyone else that I thought I just have to join in. I'm starting tomorrow, Mon 4th Aug 03, but I'm not doing any specific plan. I've done Weight Watchers and Slimming World in the past but I've always put the weight back on. This time I want to eat healthily and exercise more so that it becomes a way of life rather than a diet. To get to my 'ideal' weight I would need to lose 80lbs but that seems so far away that I'm going to set myself mini goals. The first goal is to lose the 7lbs that I gained on holiday. My incentive for all of this, is a trip to WDW POR in 2005.

So, please help me in my goal and let me be a WISHer.:D

[Disney753]

I finnaly decided to jump on here as I have been reading the many of motivated responses. I started the Carbohyrate Addicts Diet in October 2003 and lost about 50 pounds by June 15. On that day I switched to Adkins and in the two week induction lost about 14 pounds. I continue on the induction now and try to stay under 20 carbs but have allowed myself some slack on party occasions. I really dont consider it cheating as I am aware I make that choice. I started at about 300 pounds but that is where my scale only went to so who knows it could have been more. Today I weigh 219 pounds and seem to lose about 2-3 pounds a week. I really don't exercise but do alot of gardening. I think if I did exercise I would probably loose faster. I only make short time goals now so my goal is 199 by October 1. Please add me to whatever on this board as I love the fact that I am in the company of such a large and sharing group. Another 10 pounds and I will be the lightest I have been in about 15 or so years. If I can offer any help on what I eat or answer any questions let me know. Its kind of funny but I dont really love or hate food anymore its no different than breathing its just routine now. Any yes there are sometimes I forget to eat a meal I guess I forgot I was hungry. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[califred]

I just decided to start posting here today..

I am on WW and have decided that I will be at my goal weight by my 30th birthday next May. I had a baby 10 months ago and am still hanging on to 12 baby pounds, and then would like to lose another 50-60, ending around 140-150, I don't know which will work out better since I've not been down that low since I had my first son 5 years ago.


My dh is a deployed Marine, he left in March and since then I have lost 15 pounds, 7 slowly on my own and 8 since mid -June on WW. I am thinking about reading Protein Power (similar to Atkins, but less severe) and starting that plan after my older son is back in school.


Nice to meet you all!!

Anna

OH and DIS753 CONGRATS!!!

[webray]

Hi Kelsie,

Is it too late to get a banner...I have lost 24 pounds now on Atkins, I am still in induction because I have at least 50 more pounds to go...maybe a little more depending on how I am looking when I get down there.

Thanks
Cheryl
webray@aol.com

[TandyR]

I am a WW lifetimer....I lost 75 lbs to get there. I was 10 lbs below my goal weight and because of stress eating a few months (a bunch of stressful things hit one right after the other). So I am right at my WW goal, but I like to back to were I was but for the last couple months I haven't been able to get myself back into the groove so I am comeing here for help. I started a thread called "WW Lifetimer looking for modivation" and the people there started a journal challange and right now we all are trying to just journal all this week. In a week we will change the challange to something else.

[bigsis1970]

Ok weigh in this AM said down 3 for this week so that is 12 in two weeks .. that sounds good to me.. I have to measure tonight when i get home.. Michelle

[Mommy Poppins]

Well, 1 week on Atkins and I've lost 3 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot compared to what a lot of you are losing.

[grlzmom]

Hi, found this board, have been on dis fanatic in other areas.

Began Atkins induction (faithfully) on July 7th. Never been on a diet before or watched the way I ate. Didnt have the nerve to step on the scale until one week through induction. Now, havent weighed or measured since. Planning on doing that Monday and then weekly. But, my clothes feel looser.

I am mom to seven, six girls and one boy. Never had a weight problem until the last three babies came within sixteen months (one girl and then girl/boy twins). Home alone with no help during the day I pretty much grazed on junk 24/7. Now my twinnies are 7 months old and schedules are a little better.

You all seem like such a supportive bunch and I am looking forward to being active on this board. I love it already.

Do I have to weigh myself now and start from scratch to get a clippie? Would like to figure that one out :)

Jeanne
5 ft 8 inches
188.8/?/150
atkins 7/7/03

[Kitster]

Hi Everybody,

I'm ready to take the challenge. I can still remember when I was 26 years old and 105 lbs thin. Now at 47+ years old and 205 lbs big, I'm going to try to find the 'inner' me. I know that 26 year old body is still hiding somewhere under the 100 lbs of extra flesh (fat to those of us who are brutally honest with ourselves). My ultimate goal weight is 130#, so that make 75 pounds to lose. It won't be easy and it won't be fast, but it will be done.

I've decided to follow the Atkins Diet regime and the great thing is that my S.O. Stephen is dieting right along with me. He has at least 60 pounds to lose, so I guess we'll both be on induction for a while.

BTW, my name is Vicki and I'm a carbohydrate addict. That's why Atkins is for me. I've tried other diets but they rely on pasta, rice or other forms of carbs to make up the bulk of the diet and I've had absolutely no luck sticking with them. It's far easier to cut out the tempting foods than it is to reduce my portion size.

Induction began - August 4, 2003
Starting weight - 205 lbs
Goal weight - >130 lbs or size 8, whichever comes first
Next Weight update - Sept. 16, 2003 (the day before we leave for WDW)

[Disney753]

If you are doing the induction there are many things that could be happening. Being under 20 carbs is really hard. Lots of people dont count things that they should. Also it depends on how much you have to loose. After I did the two week induction I added some things and really started the counting of carbs. I then went back on induction which I have been on for 4 or so weeks. I eat 2 eggs in the am with meet and cheese and that alone is about 12 carbs, for lunch I eat no carbs usually tuna or meet, for dinner I eat 2 cups of lettuce with cukes and mushrooms and cheese which is about 6 carbs and then meet. Sometimes I have the adkins ice cream for desert 4 carbs so you can see that is about 22 carbs. PS the dressing I use on the salad is 0 carbs. So add up everything you eat. Also chewing gum and tic tacs also add in carbs thatwas one of my early mistakes. Hope this helps.
Remember Adkins is a way of life not a diet. Good luck

[nelle]

Hi Everyone,
I'm finally ready too jump in on the challange. I started Atkins on 8/1/03 and am ready for the low carb life. Today is 8/4/03 and I already feel more energized. This board has been so helpful to get me going.
Here are my stats:
current: 5'4" 143.5 size 12
goal: 120's and to be a size 8 or so
I hope to loose 10 pounds by our October trip.
Thanks everyone for the motivation!!!

[Kid at heart]

Hi

I think this is a wonderful idea & hope it will help make my weight loss challange more interesting - diets are not new to me!

We have had a baby 2 months ago, my little disney daughter is here to keep my Disney son of 6 yrs company.

I have a long term goal, by our WDW trip planned for Sep 04 i want to have lost 55lbs.

I have joined Jenny craig, have my food - and am ready to start tomorrow.

Please let me know if i need to send details to another place, i am not sure i am doing this correctly.

[Mommy Poppins]

Disney753

Not sure if your "Don't get discouraged" post was directed to me, but I hope so. I think you are right and maybe I am not counting the carbs correctly. I usually have an egg with one strip of bacon and a slice of cheese (bacon, egg & cheese biscuit without the biscuit) for breakfast and I wasn't counting that anywhere near 12 carbs. I will have to reread the website and see where I am going wrong.

On a better note, as of this morning, I have lost 5 lbs!!!

Thanks again to all of you for your support.

[catherine]

Hi,
Can you please sign me up for the 'WISH' challenge. My name is Catherine I live in the UK and I am addicted to cakes and cookies and crisps (Chips) the 3c's :D

I really need to lose some weight. I am a Health Promotion specialist and feel that it is impossible for me to help people with health related problems, (for example addictions), when I can't control my own food intake!

We will be going to WDW at the beginning of Dec. so my short term goal it to lose 30lbs by then. I am going to be watching my calorie intake and just eating more healthly. Also I will start doing more walking and aerobic exercise. I have decided to weigh myself just once a month because my weight is all over the place during the month (due to water retention).

This seems like a really supportive place to be and I am really looking forward to changing the way I live my life. I am also hoping to set a better example to my 2 DD's.

[plutosmyfav]

Originally posted by catherine
Hi,

I really need to lose some weight. I am a Health Promotion specialist and feel that it is impossible for me to help people with health related problems, (for example addictions), when I can't control my own food intake!



Hi Catherine,

I am newly "back on the wagon" with my food plan so I can't speak from success but I can speak from experience.

I have come to recognize my sugar and flour cravings as a full drug addiction. I have found several eating plans that address this addiction in a powerful way:

Atkins Diet Revolution by Rober Atkins
Protein Power by Drs. Eades
The Sugar Addicts Total Recovery Program by Kathleen DesMaisons

From your post is sounds like you get sabotaged by the sweets and simple carbs, too. If you haven't researched any of the approaches that change the ratio of carbs to protein and fat in your diet you might want to pick up one of the above books and start reading.

I spent 14 months completely sugar free, flour free and stop getting migraines, pms improved, my energy level stablized and a whole lot of other things that I didn't expect.

But then I went through some big life changes (including divorce) and starting using food like a drug again to cope with the added stress. So I'm starting out fresh...

Good luck

[TravelinGal]

I would like to participate in the WISH Challenge.

I am eating Low Carb (Atkins) and work out at Curves.

Posted a Hi in the general board....

Looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Robin

[MickeysMommy]

Hi :wave: You guys are the best. You are so supportive of each other and I think that makes all the difference in the world. I would like to join the challenge if that's alright with you. I do not have *a lot* of weight to lose per se but enough for me to be worried about it. I would ideally like to lose between 20 and 30 pounds and for my height (5'2") that would be right for me. I have taken on eating healthy, as healthy as possible, but I have a desk job and sit all day long - not good for someone trying to lose weight. I do get up and move around and my apartment is on the second floor with just stairs to get too so that is good. I used to walk about 3 miles every other day or so but went away in June and didn't resume when I got back. I do have a friend of mine that we are starting to walk together so that might help however, all the rain here doesn't. So, if you'll have me I'd love to join! Thanks so much!